The Dallas Cowboys kicked off mandatory minicamp Tuesday. The team had scheduled to run through some 11-on-11 drills, but Mike McCarthy told the media that they're keeping it at 7-on-7s to avoid getting fined after the head coach was penalized the last two years for conducting practices that were deemed too physical.
There isn't much of a difference between OTAs and minicamp in terms of intensity. The main contrast is camp is mandatory, while OTAs are voluntary.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Tuesday's practice is that Tyron Smith was back working at left tackle -- his natural position -- with Tyler Smith at left guard. At OTAs, the elder Smith worked at right tackle, while the younger Smith manned left tackle.
There will be more takeaways in the coming days to analyze. For now, though, let's underline some surprise early standouts from minicamp.
3. Tristan Vizcaino, K
The Cowboys' 2023 starting kicker (likely) isn't currently on the roster, but Vizcaino has done everything possible to maintain at least a spot on the practice squad with his performance at OTAs and minicamp.
Who knows? If he keeps kicking at his current efficiency, Dallas might give him a real look for the starting gig.
After a strong showing at OTAs, Vizcaino made all nine of his field goals Tuesday, including a long of 55 yards. It's worth noting Vizcaino is kicking without the interference of an offensive line or pass rush, but he's certainly faces a semblance of pressure each time he lines up for a kick.
It's not a big sample size by any stretch, but Vizcaino hasn't missed more than two field goals in any practice. He's been wonky from distance (50 yards or longer), but fans have to appreciate how accurate he's been early on.
Again, it's unlikely Vizcaino wins the starting job, but this offseason has proven he'll provide strong competition for whomever the Cowboys identify as their Brett Maher replacement.
2. Jalen Tolbert, WR
How many fans have climbed aboard the Tolbert year two bandwagon? Tolbert is on the record saying he's more confident and comfortable after a bumpy rookie year, and the early returns certainly back that up.
Tolbert was targeted early and often to start minicamp. Per team reporters, it's obvious Tolbert is playing faster and thinking less during routes. He's lined up both on the outside and in the nickel and showed a level of comfort at both positions.
The 2022 third-round pick caught a pair of touchdowns during a red-zone 7-on-7 period. The production is great to see, but Tolbert is having fun on the field again. That should help loosen him up and (hopefully) lead to more consistency after he caught two passes during the regular season as a rookie.
The entire complexion of the Cowboys offense changes for the better if Tolbert can cement himself as a serviceable fourth wide receiver.
1. Jabril Cox, LB
Talk about a surprise and sight for sore eyes, right? Cox undoubtedly was the start of Day 1 of minicamp. He took centerstage at the end of practice when the Cowboys ran a two-minute end-of-game simulation.
On third and goal, Cox got his hands on an end-zone pass and was swarmed by teammates in celebration. On the next play, it was Cox who recorded another pass breakup in the end zone to seal the game for the defense. You can imagine how much more animated the celebrations were after the clincher.
While Dallas' D clearly felt good for the young linebacker, the plays were that impressive and deserved a proper celebration.
Cox has the athleticism to be an excellent coverage linebacker. Unfortunately, fans haven't seen much of him over his first two years in the league after he suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 of his promising rookie season.
Cox was activated midway through last season, but was restricted to a special teams role upon returning and made six tackles.
There are snaps to go around at linebacker behind Leighton Vander Esch and Damone Clark, and a fully healthy offseason should go a long way towards Cox carving out a role in the rotation, especially if he maintains this level of play during training camp.