Predicting Dallas Cowboys camp standouts by position

With the opening practice of Dallas Cowboys camp taking place this evening, it’s only fitting to predict the standout players of the summer.

Predicting the Dallas Cowboys camp standouts would seem like a cut and dry exercise. The natural tendency is to choose the most accomplished player in each position group.

However, the reality is not always so black and white. Playing time differences, veteran rest days, and added competition often provide performance surprises.

Since practices and preseason games have different attributes, a more productive way to handle this is naming the position standouts for each portion.

Without further ado, let’s jump right into predicting which players will shine in camp.

QUARTERBACK

• Practice MVP – DAK PRESCOTT
• Preseason MVP – COOPER RUSH

ANALYSIS: Dak Prescott will get the bulk of practice snaps. He’s yet to become a consistently accurate practice player, but neither have his back-ups. In preseason games, Rush and rookie Mike White will split the majority of snaps. Rush proved to be a gamer lighting up the preseason last August. Expect more of the same throwing to a deeper, more competitive receiver group.

RUNNING BACK

• Practice MVP – EZEKIEL ELLIOTT
• Preseason MVP – DARIUS JACKSON

ANALYSIS: Again the running back starter is far more talented than the substitutes. Even with limited snaps, Ezekiel Elliott will steal the show in practice. Just as Rush excelled last year, Jackson was the preseason rushing star in 2016. Behind a shuffling offensive line, the more complete, veteran back-up will outperform bruising rookie Bo Scarborough.

WIDE RECEIVER

• Practice MVP – COLE BEASLEY
• Preseason MVP – MICHAEL GALLUP

ANALYSIS: Covering Cole Beasley has been the most grueling task in camp practices for two years running. Without the defense scheming to stop him, the single coverage beatings will continue. With key veterans Allen Hurns, Beasley, Tavon Austin and Terrance Williams receiving limited snaps, a new face will emerge in games. Gallup will get ample work to prepare for a regular season role. The rookie will deliver with excellent route running and great hands.

TIGHT END

• Practice MVP – BLAKE JARWIN
• Preseason MVP – RICO GATHERS

ANALYSIS: Jarwin is the best receiving threat of the group and will produce the biggest receptions. Geoff Swaim‘s blocking will be huge for the season, but that aspect rarely gets much fanfare in summer practice. August is do or die for Gathers in Dallas. He should receive ample game opportunities to produce as the Cowboys decide whether to continue the project or cut bait.

OFFENSIVE LINE

• Practice MVP – ZACK MARTIN
• Preseason MVP – MARCUS MARTIN

ANALYSIS: Both starting defensive tackles will miss much or all of camp. Zack Martin will have the advantage to rule practice. Jihad Ward may provide a test, but he’ll wreck the lesser subs. OL starters play a decent amount in games, but back-ups get the bulk of work. Former 49ers starter (Marcus) Martin will prove to be a road grader against inexperienced tackles.

DEFENSIVE LINE

• Practice MVP – DEMARCUS LAWRENCE
• Preseason MVP – KONY EALY

ANALYSIS: DeMarcus Lawrence will be the most talented defensive lineman at practice by far. His franchise player designation says as much. War Daddies don’t retreat in practice. Newly signed Kony Ealy will get heavy game snaps to cement a reliable rotational role. With 15 sacks in 19 career starts, he should whip opposing backup tackles.

LINEBACKER

• Practice MVP – JAYLON SMITH
• Preseason MVP – CHRIS COVINGTON

ANALYSIS: Sean Lee will receive limited snaps, while Jaylon Smith will be blinded by spotlights. Fortunately, he’s got everything to prove and will do so loudly. Some caution will be used with Leighton Vander Esch’s game minutes, so I’ll go with the wildcard rookie Covington to lead in game tackles.

CORNERBACK

• Practice MVP – CHIDOBE AWUZIE
• Preseason MVP – DUKE THOMAS

ANALYSIS: Jourdan Lewis is the best cover corner, but will face receiving MVP Beasley often in the slot. Chidobe Awuzie will draw easier outside match-ups to nudge out Lewis. Thomas excelled with extended game snaps last summer and will turn heads again.

SAFETY

• Practice MVP – XAVIER WOODS
• Preseason MVP – XAVIER WOODS

ANALYSIS: Xavier Woods will take a big step and emerge as the best safety on the team. Well, unless no big names are added soon. With only three safeties good enough to make the final cut, Woods will outshine all others even on limited game snaps.