FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys are in an allotted break before Training Camp begins at the end of July in Oxnard California. The players will have this time to reflect on their performance during off-season and to prepare for camp, as well as create individual goals for the 2018 season. Here is a list of players that stood out during off-season workouts:
Tavon Austin, WR: Austin has incredible speed and mobility as a ball carrier. During practice at mini-camp, he found open holes and made his way around defenders to find the end zone. He is a versatile player and the Cowboys have made it clear that they want to use Austin as a “web-back- a dynamic mismatch running back out of backfield” and to get him the ball in a variety of ways to utilize his unique skillset as a receiver.
Executive Vice President and CEO, Stephen Jones, stated that Austin will “bring explosiveness to our offense.” The Rams could not get a rhythm going with Austin in their offensive scheme, but on the practice field wearing a Star his talent was unleashed.
Allen Hurns, WR: Hurns has speed and strong arms to catch long passes. During mini-camp, he caught several beautiful long passes down the sideline. He can effortlessly maneuver around defensive backs on man-to-man press coverage to make a catch deep downfield. The Jaguars were never able to capitalize on his talent because of his plague of injuries. If he can stay healthy, there is no limit to what Hurns can do for the ‘silver and blue.’
Blake Jarwin, TE: Jarwin has looked impressive on the field during drills. He runs an inside slant route with perfect precision to set up a successful play and gain yardage. Since Witten’s retirement, this is the first time in a long time that there is a starting tight end position open. He is making the effort to secure a placement on the edge of the Cowboys offensive line.
Jihad Ward, DT: The Cowboys need better depth on the inside of the defensive line. Pro-Bowler, DeMarcus Lawrence owns the field as an edge rusher on the outside of the defensive line. Ward has shown his innate ability to force run plays to the outside and to rush the quarterback. He would add much needed security to the inside of the defensive line for the Cowboys and has shown his strength and speed for his size.
Dorance Armstrong, DE: The Cowboys are set with D-Law at DE, but there could be a place for Armstrong on the other end of the defensive line. Armstrong is an incredible pass rusher and can get in a quarterback’s face on a blitz, but has the speed to chase down a ball carrier. He has quick speed and effort off the edge on a run play.
Stephen Jones commented on Armstrong’s character as well as his ability as a player “ he is an ultimate team guy. Matches with Rod. He brings unique pass rush skills and we will see the best of him in this scheme. “ The Cowboys have certainly seen nothing but Armstrong’s best to this point.
Justin March-Lillard, LB: The Cowboys first round draft pick, Leighton Vander Esch, missed part of off-season practices due to an ankle injury and March-Lillard took full advantage of gaining coach Bloom’s attention. He has looked impressive at drills during off-season workouts in the linebacker squad learning from Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith. Several teams in the NFL including the Chiefs and the Seahawks have waived him, but he has shown his strength as a middle ‘mike’ backer against man-to-man coverage with running backs and intense upper body force on blocking drills.
