The first week of Cowboys training camp is in the books, and overall it was a very good start outside of a few players getting hit with the injury bug.
This Cowboys team has plenty of veterans doing their thing and showing out thus far.
Outside of them, Jalen Tolbert and Deuce Vaughn are two guys that caught my eye this week.
Jalen Tolbert
Tolbert comes into 2023 with a chip on his shoulder, and you could tell from day one of camp.
The wide receiver No. 4 spot on the depth chart is wide open, and he looks to have gained the early lead.
He made a toe tap catch while in tight coverage, and Prescott has said he has seen growth.
Jalen Tolbert pic.twitter.com/vtaNA1mQ8u
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 29, 2023
“So much growth,” Prescott said. This game is a confidence game. He's taken a huge step mentally. I think that's going to jump out when you see him on the field.”
Simi Fehoko, who is also battling for that last wideout spot, flat-out dropped a pass that hit right in the hands on the second day of camp, resulting in an interception.
Jalen Moreno-Cropper, an undrafted free agent from Fresno State, caught a touchdown on day one and pulled in multiple big receptions during the two-minute drill on Day 2.
It's only the first week, and things are looking good for whoever takes the last wideout spot.
Deuce Vaughn
Vaughn was the talk of Twitter this week.
He is what he is. Only 5'5, the shortest player in all of football. After the video below was tweeted, everyone mentioned how slippery and shifty he looked.
Deuce Vaughn is flying between the tackles 💪 💨
(via @jonmachota)pic.twitter.com/Xu1FZLlZFw
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) July 28, 2023
It is so crazy watching him. It feels like he will get lost inside the offensive and defensive line.
His size shouldn't stop him, though.
Last season with the Wildcats, Vaughn had 1,558 rushing yards, nine touchdowns, 42 catches for 378 yards, and three receiving touchdowns.
Someone is going to have to win the backup running back role.
Vaughn, Ronald Jones, Malik David, and Rico Dowdle are the only backs on the roster.
It will be one of those guys, but Vaughn looks like he has another gear to him.
A lot was noticed during the first week of camp, but these two caught my eye.
Micah Parsons has looked great. Trevon Diggs sat out a few days. Dak already has a real legit connection with Brandin Cooks.
The rest is already in place. I haven't seen much about the kicker situation yet, but man I really hope one of these guys can find a groove for this season.
I can't tell you the last time I was this excited for an NFL season.
This team has got everything and then some in their toolbox.
It is a matter of putting it together, which has been the problem for the last 25 years.
I am hoping the rest of the camp is clear of injuries. The last thing this team needs is someone else to go down.
Let's get back at it next week, and see who brings the heat.
