OXNARD, California — New Dallas Cowboy players experienced their first game-like atmosphere at the annual Blue-White Scrimmage on Sunday in Oxnard, California. Several veterans and rookies stood out in the scrimmage, and have impressed throughout the entirety of training camp:
Xavier Woods: The free safety missed the first two days at camp spending time with family after becoming a father, but he did not miss a beat after returning to the gridiron. He tallied his third interception of camp during the scrimmage, and the 24-year-old is on track to have a breakout year in 2019. He has great vision in tracking the football and is a constant disruption in the backfield.
Jason Garrett spoke with me and remarked that he has “gotten better at communicating” and that it has “translated to the field.”
In 2018, he tied with Leighton Vander Esch for the team lead with two interceptions and he forced an incompletion on 80% of his red zone targets. Woods is hungrier than ever to have an even more outstanding year in 2019.
Donovan Olumba: He has drastically improved over the past year as he has spent more time in the weight room. He was on the team’s practice squad during the 2018 season and the cornerback had the most interceptions during OTA’s/minicamp. Olumba has gotten his hands on six to seven balls during training camp. He is a physical player with tight coverage, making it difficult for receivers to get open on routes. He is constantly around the football. During the scrimmage, a ball came loose and Olumba was the first to get there and get on top of the football. That tenacity can change the outcome of ballgames.
“ Olumba has gotten SO much better, “ Amari Cooper told me on teammate during camp. “OTA’s and minicamp he had the most picks out of anybody on the defensive side of the ball. I look forward to going up against him. He has some pretty tight coverage.”
Tony Pollard: As Ezekiel Elliott’s holdout has continued, Pollard has taken advantage of the added reps. He has had several nice inside runs during camp and has an innate ability to find holes at the line of scrimmage to break for a run.
At the scrimmage Executive Vice President, Stephen Jones commented on Pollard, “He stood out today…he has more speed and quickness than you think. You give him a lane and he’ll make a move with the ball downfield.”
The team loves his versatility and he will be an instant impact player in the passing game, running game, or on special teams. He can run with the football, as well as catch the ball out of the backfield. He will no doubt be a triple-threat in 2019 for Dallas.
Maliek Collins: The three-technique tackle has had great penetration in the defensive line throughout the off-season. During camp he has held his own against Zack Martin and that is no easy feat. He is coming up to a contract year and is certainly doing everything he can to make his presence known. More than just his physical ability, Collins has shown tremendous leadership in stepping up and helping rookie, Trysten Hill through the transition. He is quick off the football and effective in rushing the passer.
Randall Cobb: The new slot receiver can stretch the field and is quarterback friendly. He can get open against zone and man coverage, and looks fluid on crossing and turn-and-go routes.
Cooper also remarked on the new addition to the receiving core, “ Very versatile guy. He can do it all. In and out of breaks he is quick. He has some speed and great hands. He will be a complement to the offense. “
Cobb’s experience and flexibility will benefit the offense and special teams as a whole. His chemistry with Dak Prescott has grown and he will be a seasoned veteran that Dak can target on those critical third and fourth down situations.
Jaylon Smith: The guy is always around the football plain and simple. His ‘clear eye view mentality’ has helped him seize opportunities and persevere through trials he has faced. Smith not only played at a pro-bowl level in 2018 with a career-high 150 stops, but also went back to Notre Dame in the spring and graduated with his Film and Television degree. He leads at every turn and does a fantastic job disrupting pass plays and getting to ball carriers on running plays up the middle. After the snap of the ball, he is able to quickly read the play and react to make the tackle. With Sean Lee’s switch to SAM-backer, Smith is now the ‘quarterback of the defense.’ He is just getting started!
All six players have been a bright spot during the off-season for Dallas and have emerged as threats on the offensive and defensive side of the football. The Cowboys’ roster is full of young and talented players but keep an eye on those six playmakers!
