Dallas Cowboys: 5 things I’m worried about before minicamp

The Dallas Cowboys have their compass set to June 11th, the starting date for mandatory minicamp. Here are five worries to consider prior to camp.

The summer heat is starting up. And the Dallas Cowboys are heading for mandatory minicamp soon. Yes, it’s time to get our first look at the 2019 team.

Some questions might get answered during this camp. Some additional questions may pop up. Regardless, the mandatory camp will lay some groundwork for America’s Team heading into the new season with Super Bowl aspirations.

Here are five things that I am worried about prior to the minicamp action.

1. Back to the beard

With center Travis Frederick out of the lineup, the 2018 Dallas Cowboys were a shell of their A+ squad. They weren’t bad. Still, the offensive line wasn’t a true powerhouse. Things will change now that the former first rounder is back.

But, to what degree? Let’s be honest here. Of course, Dallas Cowboys fans have every right to rejoice about his return. However, which version of Frederick will show up. After being diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome last August, the supreme center was out of football action for a long time.

2. The notorious Connor

The Dallas Cowboys have invested further resources into the offensive line. The ‘Boys drafted Connor McGovern in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The rookie will battle for a starting job with Xavier Su’a-Filo and Connor Williams, a second rounder from last year’s draft class.

The starting left guard position is open for business. While depth is always a great thing, did the Cowboys have to spend highly coveted picks to secure security at the offensive line? Of course, the management team was thinking future and McGovern rated high on their draft boards.

The biggest question I have is will either Connor contribute immediately? When Xavier Su’a-Filo was in the lineup, the Cowboys front line was steady and powerful. Of course, the two Connors offer higher ceilings, but also higher risks if they don’t pan out.

3. Oh Captain, My Captain

I’m excited about Sean Lee joining the young dynamic duo, Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith. I don’t think media outlets are giving this trio its due. So, let’s do it here.

With Sean Lee restructuring his deal to $3.5 million in 2019, the soon to be 33-year old linebacker gives the team an extra boost. Lee hasn’t been the most durable player during his playing time, playing just seven games in 2018.

But with number 50 around, the Cowboys are a better squad and the odds for a Super Bowl run are favorable with him playing alongside an already talented linebacker group. But once again, the question remains: can Mr. Lee stay on the turf?

4. Summertime sadness

You know, I hate to be a curse or even plant one. But you know what, weird things happen during camps and I am not the cause of it! So, let’s chat about it.

Injuries happen. It’s part of the football business. On paper, whether you agree or not, the Dallas Cowboys are fit for a Super Bowl run. (What’s that, are you laughing?) If there was one player I’m secretly coveting and hoping for a healthy camp and an all around awesome summer, it’s Amari Cooper.

Yes, the guy who the Dallas Cowboys reached big time for in a trade with the Raiders last year. Look, the guy reconfigured the DNA of this team in 2018. He didn’t even require a full camp or 16 games to do it either.

So, what can the receiver accomplish with a full arsenal of time in Big D? Well, expectations are through the roof for this guy.

5. King Ezekiel

Here we go again. With Ezekiel Elliott in the media again for the wrong reasons, the Dallas Cowboys star running back is under the microscope by the name of Roger Goodell. Of course, this scenario may result in nothing and everyone moves on.

But with number 21 being such an important piece on this team, jittery feelings remain until this episode finds a conclusion, which may or may not take some time. Hello again, 2017?