All eyes are glued to the running back competition in Dallas Cowboys training camp. It has lived up to the hype so far as there seemingly isn't much separating the top candidates. As if camp didn't need any more juicy storylines, a wide receiver battle might be unfolding thanks to a pleasant surprise.
Participating in his first camp since 2023, CeeDee Lamb has been as advertised. Newcomer George Pickens already looks the part even though he and Dak Prescott are still building their chemistry.
The most impressive performer of the WR room relative to expectations, however, has been none other than Jonathan Mingo. Lamb and Pickens have been all the rage in Oxnard, but Mingo has quietly stacked some really strong practices.
"The young wideout impressed in both of the first two practices and not simply with his ability to separate, but to also elevate in traffic and come down with the ball, as evidenced by a deep sideline pass he caught over a defender that was draped all over him. With George Pickens having secured the spot opposite CeeDee Lamb, the battle for WR3 is off to the races, seeing as Jalen Tolbert isn't backing down," wrote Patrik Walker of the team's official website.
Jonathan Mingo creating early buzz at Cowboys training camp
Don't get it twisted: Jalen Tolbert is still the favorite for the WR3 job. He's coming off a career year, catching 49 passes for 610 yards and seven touchdowns. As Walker noted, Tolbert isn't giving any ground in the battle, but that doesn't mean Mingo won't give him a run for his money.
It's important to remember this is Mingo's first camp with the Cowboys. These are also his first reps with Dak Prescott.
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Mingo was acquired just before the 2024 trade deadline last November, two days after Prescott suffered what turned out to be a season-ending hamstring injury against the Falcons. With that timing, and the challenge of learning a new offense on the fly, Mingo was effectively a pickup for the 2025 season and beyond. His rookie contract runs through the 2026 season.
Trading for George Pickens makes Mingo less of a priority in the passing game, and that’s good news for both Prescott and Mingo. Neither he nor Tolbert is built to be the No. 2 option in a top-tier offense.
It’s early, but training camp seems to be bringing out the best in Mingo and Tolbert. The competition won’t fully ramp up until the pads come on next week, but so far in Oxnard, Mingo has been a pleasant surprise - consistently getting open and showing reliable hands when targeted.