It's still premature to say that Dallas Cowboys football is back, but excitement has ramped up following the first week of OTAs.
While the practices are voluntary, they marked the first time the entire roster, rookies included, took the field together in an organized setting.
It's dangerous to draw sweeping conclusions from practices where tackling is not permitted, but several players have seen their stock rise. Whether it's young players making a strong impression or roster hopefuls threatening to jump up the depth chart, there's no shortage of storylines.
Unfortunately, though, some players have found it more difficult to leave a mark. With that in mind, let's take a look at some winners and losers from the first week of practice.
Biggest winners and losers from Week 1 of Dallas Cowboys OTAs
Winner: Jaydon Blue, RB
There is obvious pressure on Blue to perform following a disappointing rookie season. Fully aware of his dynamic talent, Cowboys fans have held out hope that it served as a reality slap rather than a sign of things to come. While it's still early, the returns are highly encouraging.
On top of rotating with the first-team offense, Blue stayed behind after last Thursday's practice for extra red-zone work with Dak Prescott and other members of the offense. His attention to detail appears night and day compared to last year, suggesting he understands the opportunity in front of him and the level of commitment required to carve out a meaningful role.
It cannot be overstated how much more dangerous Dallas' offense can be if Blue earns the trust of the coaching staff. He's off to a great start.
Loser: Tyler Guyton, LT
Brian Schottenheimer dropped the news that felt months in the making when he said that the Cowboys are going to make Guyton earn the left tackle job. The 2024 first-round pick will compete with former seventh-rounder Nate Thomas and rookie fourth-round pick Drew Shelton.
It remains to be seen how hard Thomas and Shelton will push Guyton, but the Cowboys are making the right call. It's the wake-up call Guyton needs following an uneven start to his career that's been defined by shaky pass protection, costly penalties, and injuries.
No matter how you slice it, it's definitely discouraging that your 2024 first-round pick is competing with a seventh-round selection from the same class, especially considering Thomas has been underwhelming whenever he's been asked to play left tackle.
Winner: Caelen Carson, CB
Carson has become a forgotten man in Dallas' cornerback room, and understandably so, as both of his first two years in the league have been cut short by injuries. He's only played in 14 games (eight starts), leaving many wondering if he'll even be on the team in 2026.
Well, with DaRon Bland recovering from foot surgery, Carson has gotten burn with the starting defense, rotating with Shavon Revel and Cobie Durant on the outside, with Caleb Downs working almost exclusively in the slot along with Durant.
Schotteheimer even named Carson as one of a few players who've made plays in the early goings. With Bland not expected to return until training camp, Carson should continue to get plenty of opportunities with the first-team defense.
Winner: Caleb Downs, DB
Like any rookie, Downs has made mistakes. However, Schottenheimer praised the rookie's coachability, saying that he "never makes the same mistake twice," which he believes is the "greatest compliment you can give to a young player."
As far as OTAs are concerned, that's far more impressive than forcing a turnover, blowing up a play in the backfield, or breaking up a pass. The splash plays will come. For now, Downs is absorbing Christian Parker's scheme as the starting nickel and impressing teammates with a veteran-like approach.
“He has all of the tools, man," Quinnen Williams said of Downs. "He has all the things that you want from a guy to come in and make an immediate impact. He’s humble, he’s ready to learn."
Downs' stock is trending up.
Loser: Jonathan Mingo, WR
The bottom of the wide receiver depth chart should spark serious competition. Assuming the Cowboys keep five -- and KaVonte Turpin's roster spot isn't in danger -- Mingo will be one of several players competing for the final spot.
Well, according to reporters, Mingo is nursing an unknown injury and has been working off to the side with the rehab team. Hopefully, it's not a long-term absence, because he can't afford to lose any more ground.
With no Mingo or George Pickens, Marquez Valdes-Scantling saw a lot of first-team reps as the boundary WR opposite CeeDee Lamb, with Ryan Flournoy operating in the slot. Pickens' absence has created an opportunity for Mingo, but he hasn't been able to take advantage.
Winner: Shavon Revel, CB
It's hardly a surprise that Revel has been starting without DaRon Bland. The more important takeaway is that the second-year cornerback looks healthy, seemingly for the first time in a Cowboys uniform.
Revel is no longer wearing a brace on his left leg, and the consensus among reporters is that he's moving with noticeably more fluidity. Hopefully, that helps restore the confidence that made him one of the nation's top cornerbacks before he his ACL tear two years ago.
A healthy and confident Revel would be a massive boost for this defense.
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