Cowboys players poised to shine during Training Camp
By Tyler Harris
The Dallas Cowboys haven’t been at training camp for even a week, but some of their players are already proving they are ready to shine.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of negativity, Cowboys football is back. The distractions of a letdown year, and players being suspended are started to feel like a distant memory. The new Cowboys squad of 2016 is beginning to take shape, and it is proving to provide a few surprises along the way.
Most fans know that the stars are going to show up and shine. Quarterback Tony Romo, tight end Jason Witten, wide receiver Dez Bryant, running back Ezekiel Elliott, a star studded offensive line. Those are easy spots to look for a strength of this team, and for individuals to be the best at their respective positions. There are some diamonds in the rough out there at this years training camp that could end up surprising a lot of people.
Take defensive lineman Terrell McClain for instance. Through one weekend of camp he looks to be one of the best defensive linemen on the team. Many people will ask who that is. McClain was a force at defensive tackle last year prior to getting injured. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli went as far as to call him the best run stopper on the team. If McClain can avoid injuries this season, he could be a surprise contributor on a team dying for defensive pressure on the quarterback.
Then there is defensive lineman David Irving who recently made the switch to defensive end from the inside position. Irving is one of those freak athletes with SPARQ numbers off the charts. Many fans will remember him coming in last year and being a force in the rotation. If coach Marinelli can get this young, talented edge player to stop thinking and just attack, the Cowboys could have another potential steal on their hands.
Not only are individuals starting to show what they bring to the table, but position groups are showing their strengths as well. The much maligned secondary of the Cowboys has been the shock of camp so far as they have looked dominant in practice up to this point.
Cornerback Morris Claiborne looks to be rejuvenated, safety Byron Jones looks like an elite safety in the making, and the defensive backfield leader Orlando Scandrick is back in the fold. Scandrick may be the biggest addition of them all with the edge he brings to the field each series. If this group can continue to improve, maybe the Dallas defense wont be the laughing stock many expect it to be.
The list could go on-and-on about the list of players that could potentially breakout during this camp. Defensive end Charles Tapper, wide receiver Andy Jones, running back Darius Jackson, etc all have an opportunity to put their stamp on the field and help improve this team.
Next: Five burning questions now that Cowboys training camp is on
As camp winds on and the 2016 Dallas Cowboys roster starts to reveal itself remember some of the names in this article. When some players disappoint and let their teammates down, others have an opportunity of a lifetime to step up and shine in the darkest of times.