FRISCO, Texas – The kickoff to Mandatory Mini-Camp for the Dallas Cowboys, offensive coordinator Scott Linehan addressed three positions apart of the offense that have “grown in depth”: tight end, wide receiver, and running back. With the leadership roles of Jason Witten and Dez Bryant gone, there are vacant starting spots at tight end and wide receiver just waiting to be filled by the right player. The Cowboys are optimistic to their approach this off-season of competition bringing out the best unique skill set of each individual player fighting to have a leading role in the 2018 Cowboys’ roster.
Tight End: The Cowboys currently have five players in this category- Rico Gathers, David Wells, Dalton Schultz, Geoff Swaim, and Blake Jarwin. With the absence of the beloved 11-time Pro Bowler, the Cowboys need one of these guys to step up and become a threat as an offensive lineman on the outside, and as an effective blocker. The added depth to this position was much needed and now they are left with several options before the final cut has to be made to 53 to fill the gap.
Wide Receiver: This position has been debated and talked about for months after last season’s issues with chemistry between quarterback Dak Prescott and the receivers. The coaching staff has made it clear this off-season that there will not be one No.1 receiver, but several put into the scheme using their specific skills to enhance the offense this upcoming season. Tavon Austin, Cole Beasley, Michael Gallup, Lance Lenoir Jr., Deonte Thompson, Cedrick Wilson, Allen Hurns, Marchie Murdock, Mekale McKay, K.D. Cannon, Terrance Williams, and Noah Brown are the current receivers listed in this category.
Hurns had a fantastic day at practice today catching a beautiful long pass down the sideline, as did Austin, using his agility to find holes and outsmarting the defenders to find the open field/end-zone. With several talented young receivers fighting for a starting position, the Cowboys will not have to rely on the running game this season. The added depth at the receiver position was essential and the Cowboys have capitalized on their opportunities to acquire these guys as free agents/draft selections during this off-season. With the new coach Sanjay Lal teaching these young players/veterans and bringing his experience and knowledge of the game to change route running for “America’s Team”, the offense is looking more and more bright everyday.
Running Back: Better depth at the running back position was certainly seen as a necessity for the Cowboys last season when their leading rusher Ezekiel Elliott was out for six weeks fulfilling his suspension. The Cowboys have worked during the off-season to bring in more guys to strengthen the running game. The current list of running backs is: Ezekiel Elliott, Trey Williams, Bo Scarborough, Darius Jackson, Rod Smith, Jordan Chunn, and Jamize Olawale. The eagerness and speed of these players was displayed on the field today as they were thrust into the scheme and practiced with the offense as a whole coming together to implement the playbook.
