Dallas Cowboys: 5 biggest surprises of training camp so far
Aldon Smith’s NFL Return
After nearly a five-year layoff, Aldon Smith is attempting to make a successful return to the NFL. The former 2011 first-round selection and All-Pro pass rusher haven’t played in an NFL game since 2015 following a league suspension and several off-the-field issues.
But with those personal demons apparently behind him, Smith is in great physical shape and displaying the traits in Cowboys’ training camp that allowed him to rack up an incredible 33.5 sacks during his first two seasons for the San Francisco 49ers.
And while no one is expecting that kind of production from the 30-year veteran now, his length and power were instantly evident to head coach Mike McCarthy upon first seeing Smith on the practice field at The Star in Frisco.
How impressive has Aldon Smith been for the #Cowboys? Coach Mike McCarthy told reporters: "If you walked away from practice, you would say, ‘Hey, who the hell is No. 58?’ You can see his power, his length is extraordinary. ...I’m very happy with where Aldon is right now.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 20, 2020
Quarterback Dak Prescott would confirm his new head coach’s take on Aldon Smith, calling him a monster that doesn’t look like he’s been away from the game for half a decade.
The Cowboys recently signed veteran pass rusher Everson Griffen, which only gives Smith more time to properly accumulate himself back into the NFL without the pressure of having to be the new War Daddy in Dallas. His arrow is certainly pointing up.