Dallas Cowboys: Camp bright spots emerge below Ezekiel Elliott cloud

While the Dallas Cowboys camp attention is largely focused on holdout Ezekiel Elliott, bright spots are emerging beneath his cloud.

The media continues to push Ezekiel Elliott holdout drama ad nauseam while the actual football being showcased at Dallas Cowboys camp takes a backseat.

The time will come to address this latest, tiresome installment of Zeke immaturity. Though it’s still premature and does a disservice to his committed teammates. The good news is multiple, young players are making noise of the welcome variety.

Admittedly we’re only a few days into full pads, so early results should be taken with a grain of salt. However, daily production on the field does hold value. Below are some of the players reportedly showing positive signs thus far.

RUNNING BACK

Elliott’s absence does have positive implications for those trying to earn playing time next season. Naturally none of the replacements have cemented the back-up role as of yet. However, Tony Pollard is displaying why he was selected in the fourth round.

Pollard is showing vision and the slashing quickness that could evolve into a viable change of pace or third down weapon. With solid hands and elusiveness, his receiving skills will only help maximize his chances to warrant backfield snaps.

WIDE RECEIVER

Receiver is already settled among the top three spots. Though the release of Allen Hurns has opened the door for lesser knowns to make their roster case. Two names receiving early camp praise are 2018 practice squad receiver Reggie Davis and rookie burner Jon’Vea Johnson.

TIGHT END

Jason Witten reportedly looks more mobile now then when he last played in 2017. Even better news is Blake Jarwin seems to have advanced his play since 2018. While some may see a conflict here, others are rightly pointing out mutual success for these two should benefit the team tremendously using the 2-TE formation.

DEFENSIVE END

Unfortunately free agent signing Robert Quinn is not faring well yet against mountain man Tyron Smith. Give it time, Quinn will adapt to the task. More concerning is Taco Charlton is reportedly being toyed with by La’el Collins and giving up on snaps.

The bright spot, and one of my personal favorites, has been Dorance Armstrong. He’s said to appear even quicker off the snap and more explosive in his second campaign.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Antwaun Woods is back doing human log things and clogging the middle. However, a new name is making waves in undrafted rookie Daniel Wise. Most who studied the draft aren’t surprised by this, but it’s nice to hear he’s begun validating expectations.