Dallas Cowboys offseason: Five players to watch

For the players already under contract with the Dallas Cowboys their work began this week, with the start of the offseason conditioning program.

In the NFL world all eyes are currently on next weeks draft; Week 1 a long way in the distance. With trades for the top two spots in recent days, and the expectation that quarterbacks Jared Goff and Carson Wentz the two off the board the choice for the Dallas Cowboys at #4 widens. What they choose to do with that pick remains a mystery.

Running back Ezekiel Elliott is a name hotly linked with the Cowboys at present. As talented a player he is and as excited as I’d be to see him don the silver and blue I can’t help but feel queasy at the idea of drafting a running back 4th overall.

Todd Gurley was arguably the best running back to come out of college since Adrian Peterson was drafted tenth overall last year. His status impacted by a lengthy injury of course. Prior to that, Trent Richardson was the highest running back drafted 3rd overall in 2012. The less said about him the better.

For the players already under contract with the Cowboys their work began this week, with the start of the offseason conditioning program. It’s the coaches first chance to see what shape the players are in after having the past few months off. No reports of Eddie Lacy-type weight gains just yet.

Here are five players to watch throughout these offseason programs:

#1. Tony Romo, Quarterback

As always in Dallas, the players were free to enter Valley Ranch to workout before then and many have been; particularly those who are looking to bounce back from injury. Tony Romo is one of those. After undergoing surgery on his clavicle six weeks ago he’s been hitting the gym and has been impressed by the turnout of players looking to get in shape.

"“A lot of guys are wanting to get in and get after it, and I think that’s a great sign. I’m all for seeing all the guys in there every day. You’re always getting better.” Tony Romo"

#2. Orlando Scandrick, Cornerback

Orlando Scandrick missed out on the whole of the 2015 season due to injury, and while his full return to fitness is still a month or two away he’s on track to return for Week 1. Referring to 2015 as a “catastrophe” he’ll be an important locker room influence if the team are to bounce back to their 12-4 form.

#3. Darren McFadden, Running Back

Darren McFadden eventually became the lead rusher for the Cowboys last year, after Joseph Randle was cut from the roster. The former Raider put up good numbers and did a fine job. But fine wasn’t enough to get the Cowboys much needed victories without Tony Romo. McFadden maybe happy with his seat in Dallas, but that lead role isn’t confirmed as his just yet.

#4. Brice Butler, Wide Receiver

Another former Raider looking to make an impact in Dallas is wide receiver Brice Butler. Appearing in seven games, Butler lent some speed to the Cowboys side. With Dez Bryant injured, Terrance Williams invisible and Devin Street still making fans question why he was drafted in 2014 – Butler had the opportunity to flash within a mediocre receiver corps.

Williams’ rookie contract ends next year and Street has to be considered a potential cut; the hunger and desire of Butler could be a welcome addition.

#5. Ryan Russell, Defensive End

Not dissimilar to Butler in wanting to make an impact on the team, but this time on defense is last year’s 5th round pick Ryan Russell. Injured for large parts of 2015, Russell appeared in just one game for the Cowboys.

Bryan Broaddus from DallasCowboys.com writes that some serious time in the weight room could be important for Russell.

"“The forgotten men of the previous draft…It appeared that the coaches were struggling to find a true spot for Russell and he didn’t get off to the kind of start we thought he might. It’s a big offseason for him in the weight room and hopefully feeling more comfortable in his surroundings….Don’t know if either will have big years, but being on the 46 each week would be a nice start.”"

There’s still over 140 days until the Cowboys take to the field to play the Giants in Week 1 of the new season. Plenty of work to do before then.

Next: Cowboys have a poor history when drafting defensive ends

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