3 problems the Cowboys are already dealing with in training camp

Training camp is in full swing around the NFL. Practice analysis and other camp happening generally dominate conversation for most teams this time for year. As it pertains to the Dallas Cowboys, though, the contracts (and futures) of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are all the rage.

It seems like a matter of when -- not if -- Prescott and Lamb sign new deals. In the meantime, though, Mike McCarthy is overseeing his most important training camp as Cowboys head coach. Entering the final year of his contract, McCarthy needs to ensure the team hits the ground running in the regular season.

Camp is only five practices old and the pads have only just come on. Despite that, a lot has happened and there is plenty to digest and critique. While the 2024 draft class looks legit and several young players have stood out, there are some issues the Cowboys are already navigating that should have fans' attention.

3. Cooper Beebe not climbing the depth chart

It was never realistic that Cooper Beebe, the team's universally-praised third-round pick, would open camp with the first-team offense. After all, he's transitioning to center after he played guard and tackle at Kansas State.

Deadlocked in a battle with Brock Hoffman for the starting center job, Beebe looks second-best at this juncture. Most of Beebe's reps have come with the second-team offense. He's even rotated some with the third-team. Cowboys insider Bobby Belt of 105.3 The Fan also noted that Beebe has struggled snapping from the shotgun. That won't do the rookie any favors in the competition.

Beebe hasn't set the world on fire in Oxnard, but there's no reason to overreact. He's still widely expected to win the center job. With that said, he needs to clean up his snaps. He isn't winning any competition if Dak Prescott doesn't trust him to snap him the ball.

2. DE depth after Sam Williams injury

No team that has Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence is in dire straights at defensive end. However, Sam Williams' season-ending ACL injury is devastating for the position's depth. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said that Williams was going to play over 70% of the snaps this season.

Most of those will presumably go to rookie Marshawn Kneeland. The second-round pick has looked the part in the first handful of practices, but entrusting a first-year player with a lofty workload at a crucial position like DE is always risky.

This creates opportunity for some young players to tell the Cowboys they don't need to sign a free agent, but the writing is seemingly on the wall. Whether it's Carl Lawson, Yannick Ngakoue or Justin Houston, the front office needs to move quickly to bring in a veteran to replace Williams.

1. Trey Lance's performance

While the WR3 battle and battle for the center competition are intriguing to follow, no player entered Cowboys camp with more pressure than Trey Lance. Praised all offseason for his mastering of the playbook and renewed confidence, Lance probably wishes he can start camp all over again.

Lance has made some pretty throws, but does that really say much? Most quarterbacks at this level, even second- and third-stringers, are capable of hitting receivers with zero pass rush. Defenders aren't allowed to hit in the secondary, either, which makes the QB's job even easier.

At the end of the day, Lance's miscues are far more notable than his completions. He's been hesitant to push the ball downfield and he displayed poor accuracy and touch on one of his two interceptions in team drills. Instead of lofting the pass near the sideline to take away one defender, Lance left the throw inside and rookie cornerback Caelen Carson came down with the pick.

There is plenty of time for Lance to redeem himself, but he hasn't done anything to convince the coaching staff that he should be QB2 over Cooper Rush.

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