Dallas Cowboys: 3 early favorites for Training Camp MVP
By Sean Martin
Here are my three top candidates for the most valuable player award during the Dallas Cowboys upcoming training camp in 2018.
The Dallas Cowboys are now just two weeks out from the start training camp. I thought I’d cover the expected good side of Amercia’s Team in their long-awaited return to action.
With legitimate league MVP candidates on their roster, here is my look at a few players that could earn this honor among their teammates in Oxnard.
Running Back Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott returning to practice as the Cowboys star running back shouldn’t be this newsworthy.
Being an MVP for the Cowboys in practice won’t come easy at all for Elliott. This nomination is a vote of confidence in the third-year pro. Running with power, speed, and vision to be the focal point of Dallas’ offense is simply what’s expected of Elliott.
So too should be his leadership role on the field this year. Although Zeke shouldn’t feel responsible for the outcome of what became NFLPA/Jerry Jones vs. NFL disguised as his lengthy suspension appeal process, Elliott is easily one of the Cowboys most important players for 2018 … and well beyond.
Even when running behind second-string offensive linemen, Elliott will enjoy having free agent addition Cam Fleming as a backup tackle and rookie left guard Connor Williams in the fold.
Linebacker Jaylon Smith
What Jaylon Smith was able to do in his miraculous recovery to see the field for the Cowboys last year was nothing short of incredible. The magnitude of having Smith at linebacker is even larger when considering he wasn’t given the chance to shine at training camp.
A rare player capable of impressing heavily even without pads on, Smith is set up nicely to continue his feel-good story and consistently make plays for Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.
Be it at MIKE or SAM linebacker, Smith will benefit from Dallas drafting Leighton Vander Esch and Chris Covington, primed to get everyone in Cowboys Nation going with social media shares on his famous swipe move.
Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie
If this imaginary award could be given to a coach, new passing game coordinator Kris Richard would have the edge. Turning to the young Cowboys defensive back that could improve the most under Richard is a good alternative, one that includes Chidobe Awuzie starting at outside cornerback.
Rarely does a second-round draft pick go under the radar, but this was the case for Awuzie as he missed six games to injury. For the ten games the Cowboys had him on the field, the rookie’s stunning poise and physical ability showed the type of potential the Colorado product has.
Realizing this potential under Richard shouldn’t take long for Awuzie, which is why I believe he’ll be a legitimate standout player from the start of training camp. His length and awareness will go a long way in locking up a starting cornerback spot opposite Byron Jones.
Next: 30 greatest Dallas Cowboys in franchise history
FInally, I would like to take a quick second to say hello to the community here at The Landy Hat. You may recognize my byline from Inside The Star, where I’ve been absolutely honored to cover the Dallas Cowboys since 2015.
Now preparing for 2018, my goal remains the same — connect with and engage the greatest fan base in the National Football League! Share with me who you’re excited to watch at Cowboys Training Camp in the comment section below or on Twitter @SeanMartinNFL!