Nobody wants to rush the summer, but the sooner we reach the end of July, the sooner we get to see defensive coordinator Christian Parker and the Dallas Cowboys' newcomers on that side of the ball take the field.
That includes Rashan Gary. And even though minicamp makes it difficult to evaluate pass rushers because players aren't in pads and quarterbacks are protected, the former Green Bay Packers first-round pick found a way to stand out.
Despite arriving via trade in March, Gary has already cemented himself as one of the team's defensive leaders. Here's what Parker had to say about whose leadership stood out during the spring program (h/t Nicole Hutchison, DallasCowboys.com):
"It starts up front. Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary, those guys have taken a significant step forward in the era of the pro habits. How we practice, their habits in the meeting rooms, pre-practice, post-practice."
The trade is already paying off in a big way.
Rashan Gary is proving his worth to the Cowboys before playing a snap
It's not just the coaching staff that's noticed Gary's influence. Appearing on The Set with Terron Armstead, Cowboys star left guard Tyler Smith noted that Gary is finding ways to hold teammates accountable even during lighter practices (h/t Brandon Loree, Blogging The Boys).
"... Even when we’re doing rehab, I see him on his iPad, watching practice. I asked him, because you know we’re in OTAs, so we only get 12 plays together, it’s not very much. I’m like, what are you watching bro? And he’s like aw bro you know I’m watching individual [drills] and I’m making sure guys ain’t slacking on these drills. I make sure guys are locked in to what we’re trying to do and what we’re trying to perfect. ...”
That's exactly what you want to hear. For Gary to already be having a similar impact as Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark is huge for a defense that has a lot of youth and inexperience.
Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, Jaishawn Barham, Donova Ezeiruaku, Shavon Revel, Shemar James, and LT Overton are all expected to play a ton of snaps. Their average age is 22 years old. Even projected starting linebackers DeMarvion Overshown and Dee Winters are only 25.
Parker and his staff are instilling accountability and attention to detail that the previous regime lacked, but veterans like Gary serving as extensions of the coaching staff is equally important.
The Cowboys ultimately acquired Gary to jolt their bottom-barrel defense. But OTAs and minicamp have revealed why Dallas was willing to part with a fourth-round pick for him, despite the criticism that followed the move.
Beyond his ability to rush the passer and stop the run, Gary has brought the kind of leadership and mentality that reflects the culture Brian Schottenheimer and Christian Parker are working to build.
That impact won't show up in the box score, but it's the foundation of a successful team.
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