Dallas Cowboys: 3 developments to watch in minicamp

Dallas Cowboys minicamp is quickly approaching and these three developments will carry big implications for the 2019 season.

The new faces are known and the offseason roster has taken shape as the Dallas Cowboys turn the corner heading towards minicamp. There’s no shortage of excitement or curiosity capturing the attention of the fan base.

These three recent developments should carry extra consideration as the team fleshes out the upgrades for a boom or bust season with deep playoff expectations.

LEE TAKES OVER AT SAM

There will be plenty of doubters complaining about this new development, but it’s going to pay huge dividends when the games count. Sean Lee starting at strong side (SAM) linebacker is a big deal and sizable upgrade of the position.

Some will question an injury prone player in a linebacker role with much more physicality and less protection. And it would be warranted if Lee was starting in the middle. Below are 2018 snap counts for the starters at MIKE and SAM linebacker.

JAYLON SMITH (MIKE) – 976 snaps

DAMIEN WILSON (SAM) –  286 snaps

Lee was formerly a very effective, physical inside linebacker before moving outside. Weekly constant poundings took their toll and he often dealt with injuries. But the fact is Dallas’ SAM linebacker is not asked to trash his body all game long.

Roughly 30% of the defensive snaps is all he will be tasked with. Lee with ample rest and a reduced workload will flourish. He’s reportedly bulked up and looks the part.

DEBUT OF THE NEW CONNOR

It was evident from his first game that Connor Williams‘ sleek frame would have power issues against bigger defensive tackles. Clearly he needed an offseason to add mass and Williams delivered adding 10+ pounds of muscle since the season ended.

While the proof will be in the pudding on this one, there’s nowhere to go but up with added strength and size for the young guard. It will also be interesting to see if he logs any mini camp snaps at tackle, as a future move could be in the cards.

IT’S WEBER TIME

Former Cowboys backup running back Rod Smith is now a New York Giant. I’ll go on record claiming the second spot is now rookie draftee Mike Weber’s job to lose. He won’t start the first practice in the role, but the job will be his by September. It’s not a big stretch to make as the options are limited, but his ability will prove worthy.

Weber played second fiddle in running back snaps the last two seasons at Ohio State. For the record, the runner he shared snaps with will be a high draft pick next year. In 2020, J.K. Dobbins will be the next Ohio State runner to leave the draft board in the first two rounds. Weber has game and will produce when called upon.