This UDFA is quietly making noise early in training camp

Day 2 of training camp wrapped up on Thursday. Some of the familiar faces were on display.

No colossal shock on which players continue to get the attention.

Dak Prescott’s one underthrown ball will overshadow his good throws and get headlines like it’s January.

Micah’s burst seems quicker than his first two years. Jake Ferguson looks ready to take hold of the starting tight-end position.

Nevertheless, training camp is about identifying at least 77 players to call on throughout the season.

That’s at least according to Head Coach Mike McCarthy in 2020, reflecting on his championship run with Green Bay in 2010.

From my vantage point, younger offensive players like Jalen Tolbert, Deuce Vaughn, and Simi Fehoko will help determine this team’s makeup.

For me, another player in the first couple of days is not getting any attention, but he’s slowly compiled back-to-back good days.

Who could that player be? Let’s find out.

John Stephens, Jr. made the move from receiver to tight end

The photo lists John Stephens, Jr. as a wide receiver, but he is working with the tight end group to earn himself a roster spot.

His ride to the Dallas Cowboys took a few detours.

His career started at Texas Christian University but concluded his collegiate eligibility with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

I’m very proud to say we share the same alma mater. Whether that’s a good thing or not is debatable.

What’s not debatable is his long journey to learning his new role.

Granted, John didn’t set the world on fire from a stats perspective at either stop but traits go a long way in helping someone find an NFL home.

He has the measurables that an NFL team would be looking for.

Stephens stands at 6’5″ and weighs 232 lbs.

That’s the perfect height for the tight-end position, but he may need to add some stones in his pocket to play the role entirely.

The unofficial 4.67 in the 40 and a 36-inch vertical make him a very appealing prospect.

Could Stephens, Jr. make a run at a roster spot?

It’s too early and irresponsible even to discuss roster spots.

We’ve seen stories like this before, right?

Last year, TJ Vasher was the highlight reel in training camp that didn’t pan out in the preseason.

Although Vasher and Stephens are two different prospects, the buzz feels similar.

Two young guys that caught my eye today: TE John Stephens and WR Jalen Brooks. Also looked like Mazi Smith had a pressure on a nice inside pass rush move.

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) July 28, 2023

I have to give him credit.

He’s taking full advantage of Luke Schoonmaker being on ice right now with the foot issue.

He utilizes his extremely long frame and jumping abilities to make it difficult for defenders.

Stephens is more of a raw prospect than any other tight end in camp.

He will get the luxury of now being coached by Lunda Wells.

Not to mention, I suspect he’ll find a residence in the weight room with Dallas’ strength and conditioning coach, Harold Nash, Jr., and his team.

The reality remains that there will be an uphill battle for Stephens, but it’s a fight he is ready for.

On Thursday, he left coaches with a positive image with the contested touchdown grab with the second-team offense.

Cowboys rookie TE John Stephens caps a two-minute drill for second-team offense with touchdown catch in traffic. pic.twitter.com/FmYXbiHVN9

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 27, 2023

If Stephens needs positive vibes to stay focused, he can look at Peyton Hendershot.

Hendershot was in John’s shoes precisely one year ago. Dallas carried three to four tight ends on the roster last year.

There’s a good chance the same happen in 2023.

I believe he also has the potential to contribute on special teams which would help his cause tremendously.

If he continues to make plays and stack days on top of one another, he can make the tight-end battle very interesting.