Dallas Cowboys: 6 shocking training camp revelations

Here are six shocking revelations we’ve learned since the Dallas Cowboys kicked off training camp

2020 has been the year of change for America’s Team. The Dallas Cowboys kicked off the year implementing a regime change that was sparked by the hiring of a new head coach in Mike McCarthy.

That move was followed by massive coaching staff changes, some major free agency losses, the introduction of arguably the top draft class in the NFL, and an offseason training program unlike any we’ve ever witnessed before due to a worldwide pandemic.

Yet, we’re now nearing the end of training camp and the Cowboys’ Week One matchup against the Los Angeles Rams is only 14 days away. Here are six shocking revelations we’ve already learned about this team through camp so far.

#1. Darian Thompson looks like a starter at safety

The position of safety continues to be a highly-debated one among Cowboy fans. And the recent release of All-Pro safety Earl Thomas from the Baltimore Ravens has only intensified that discourse.

Yet, the Cowboys seemed satisfied to sit on the sidelines when it comes to Thomas. No doubt that’s in part a result of the circumstances surrounding his dismissal from the Ravens. But also due to what Dallas is seeing at training camp from the safeties already on their current roster.

While many believed former first-rounder Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was the favorite to start opposite Xavier Woods following the loss of Jeff Heath this offseason, Darian Thompson has reportedly been outplaying him in training camp so far.

A third-round selection out of Boise State (surprise, surprise) back in 2016, Thompson was a 16-game starter for the New York Giants back in 2017, recording 75 total tackles, six pass deflections, and an interception.

Landing in Dallas in 2018, Thompson started four games for the Cowboys last season as a primary backup. He posted 45 tackles, three pass deflections, and three tackles for loss in 15 contests.

Thompson’s emergence this offseason under a new defensive coaching staff in Dallas as the potential starter at safety could be the biggest shocker of training camp so far. And it’s either a sign of his development as a player entering his fifth NFL season … or a lack of overall talent at the position. For the sake of the team, fans must believe it’s a case of the former.