The Dallas Cowboys first 2017 training camp practice is set to kick off July 24, and with so much roster turnover in a years time there will be a lot of new faces to pay attention to. We all have our favorites of course that we will watch closely, but I’ve actually been wondering which player will end up being the Cowboys training camp standout.
It seems a little strange that just a year ago it was Andy Jones’ name that was floating around as a player who was taking training camp by storm. Jones was being talked up so much that it was looking as if he was a lock to make the final 53-man roster. But, he ultimately failed to perform his best when it mattered most in the preseason games.
Andy Jones of course is just one example of a former Cowboys training camp standout. These type of players get quite a few fans excited because they seem to come out of nowhere. They are usually under the radar which enhances the excitement, but not always.
The Cowboys have quite a few young players who are expected to play a large role in 2017. I believe it’s going to be one of these youngsters that end up being the Cowboys training camp standout when all is said and done.
I doubt there is a single Dallas Cowboys fan out there that isn’t hoping one of the top draft picks doesn’t instantly make an immediate impact when training camp practices get underway. Taco Charlton, Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, and Ryan Switzer will likely get the most chances to prove themselves throughout training camp because of their draft status. But, I think Noah Brown is my choice to be the Cowboys training camp standout.
Noah Brown has already opened the eyes of the coaching staff a little bit this off-season, but those were in unpadded practices. One of Brown’s best attributes as a player is the physical nature in which he plays the game, which is why I believe we will start hearing his name more often once the pads come on.
In no way do I believe that being a Cowboys training camp stand out earns a player a roster spot, but it doesn’t hurt their chances either. In fact, if Noah Brown wants to make the final 53-man roster, then his best chance of doing that is to become the player that stands out the most.
Brown also has probably the best opportunity to prove himself among the young Cowboys players. Charlton will likely be battling it out against one of the first team offensive tackles, and Awuzie, Lewis, and probably Switzer will likely be going against first-teamers as well. I doubt Brown gets very many chances against the Cowboys top defensive backs.
Of course, with so much roster turnover there are no shortages of options to become the Cowboys training camp standout in 2017. Who knows, it may end up being Andy Jones once again.
I think Noah Brown is safe, but don’t be surprised if he sustains an injury that just doesn’t seem to be healing. Wink wink.
The two defensive tackles will have the hardest time if Paea seems to be what he was in Chicago. If Paea slips and Thornton doesn’t start living up to his contact, then one of them might slip onto the team.
I think the rest of the rookies make it, even White.
Someone unexpected, often a walk on, always has a big camp. Some players kick the door in when given a crack – best part of NFL pre-season.
For the veterans:
Butler / offense
Collins / defense
You’d love to see Butler turn the next corner, press Williams as a starter and force Linehan to go 4-wide a lot. No defending that if Dak has time to throw.