Four things to watch as Dallas Cowboys start training camp
By Tyrone Starr
#2 – Who will be where on this vaunted offensive line?
We know who the left tackle, center and right guard will be. We know La’el Collins will start somewhere as well. Who will be that “fifth Beatle” on the World’s Greatest Offensive Line?
The two obvious options are former first round pick Jonathan Cooper and the Cowboys 2015 third round selection Chaz Green. Both are probably fighting for their NFL lives so to speak. Cooper is on his third team in four years, while Green has had health issues since he was drafted.
We think we know that Collins is the better of the two at either guard or tackle. It would probably be best to put him at right tackle and hope Cooper wins the job at guard. He will get every opportunity but Green could make his case with a solid camp. Nothing drives a healthy competition better than desperation. Both Cooper and Green need to show that.
#3 – The nerve ending saga of Jaylon Smith’s knee?
Yes, that was a play on words.
A few days ago, word came out that Smith’s nerve is continuing to regenerate and could be fully healed within 6-9 months. He will apparently have a less restrictive brace on his leg as he takes the field for his first NFL camp.
As I said earlier, it’s clear that the Cowboys need Smith to be on the field. The question is whether or not it would be best for him, long-term, to sit another season and fully heal. Is it likely? Probably not. No one wants to play more than this kid does. Couple that with the team needs and I would not imagine he misses much time.
Hopefully he can avoid any lingering issues or injuries that would negatively affect that timetable. Without question, Smith will be one of the biggest stories of the 2017 Training Camp.