Inside Cowboys Camp: Early Impressions

Training camp is underway and there have been so major early impressions made during camp as the Dallas Cowboys work towards the regular season.

With training camp underway, there are a lot of interesting topics of discussion surrounding the Dallas Cowboys. From disappointments, to surprise rookie free agents, to the return of starting quarterback Tony Romo. If the Cowboys are going to make a playoff run, that journey has begun.

What’s Up D-Line?

One of the first aspects of camp that jumps out is the lack of depth along the defensive line. With Randy Gregory dealing with his issues, DeMarcus Lawrence being suspended for the first 4 games of the regular season regardless of how good he looks in these sessions; oh and the fact Benson Mayowa is out injured, along with rookie 3rd round selection Maliek Collins-there are depth concerns.

However, there is some good news.

To the surprise of many rookie defensive lineman Zach Wood, who was expected to get work as a long snapper has been turning heads with his effort. He lost twenty pounds at the instruction of the coaching staff, but has held his own against the highly touted guard La’el Collins. The available film doesn’t show a highly skilled player, but it’s impossible to deny his effort.

Wood’s effort has led him to work ahead of the powerful Rodney Coe, who hasn’t made waves during camp thus far. Coe probably has the bigger upside if he is able to work through the grind and show something during practices.

Jack Crawford and David Irving have shown flashes of pass rush ability, Ryan Russell has also shown leaps of improvement from last year’s training camp where defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli was often seen chastising the then rookie.

Next: Inside Cowboys Camp - Secondary Play, Wide Receivers