DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys are now firmly entrenched at training camp, the pads have been on, and enough time has passed to find some standouts from the first few weeks. Early days in camp are a time to find hidden gems, and for young players, it’s a time to show their growth before preseason games kick off.
Until then, controlled practices, position drills, and one-on-ones against each other will have to do as far as early evaluations. There are some players who have impressed early in camp as the team moves closer to their first exhibition contest. Here are five Cowboys who have been stars at Oxnard:
Dak Prescott – QB
There is little doubt about who is one of the best players in camp, and it’s the leader of the team. Prescott has been sharp since the Cowboys arrived and despite the defense showing new looks under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, the signal caller has been unfazed.
Without star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in camp, Prescott has been getting into a good rhythm with veteran WR Brandin Cooks, as well as finding his groove with young wideouts Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Cropper, among others. Getting comfortable with other receivers could prove to be a big benefit to the offense when Lamb does return.
If Prescott is worried about his contract status, he isn’t showing it and he’s giving the Cowboys every reason to believe that he’s headed for a big year based on his work early in camp. It might be obvious to name the MVP runner up a training camp star, but that shouldn’t take anything away from Prescott, who’s having a great summer.
Caelen Carson – CB
The Cowboys might have found another steal at cornerback with the fifth-round pick out of Wake Forest. Just a few years after hitting on DaRon Bland in the same round, Carson looks like he’ll be in the mix for significant playing time as a rookie.
Camp observers have been noticing Carson’s play improving as the days have passed and he’s showing why the draft experts thought that he should’ve been a higher pick. The Cowboys didn’t expect to find Carson available in the fifth round, but slipping in the draft has been Dallas’ gain.
The rookie has been aggressive, sticky in coverage, and gotten his hands on more than a few balls.
There’s a long way to go, and there will be bumps in the road at one of the toughest positions for rookie players, but there are some who believe that Carson will challenge veteran CB Jourdan Lewis for playing time. Carson has been one of the major standouts for the Cowboys early in camp.
Hunter Luepke – FB
The uncertainty around the running back position revolves mostly around the half backs, but it looks as though the hybrid fullback Luepke is locked into a roster spot. Head coach and play caller Mike McCarthy has spoken highly of Luepke and looks ready to put the 2023 undrafted free agent in positions where he’ll be on the field in several roles.
Luepke didn’t get much work as a runner or receiver as a rookie, but with the lack of a bellwether RB, and being worked in as a pseudo-tight end, expect that to change in year two. The Cowboys appear primed to have Luepke play a bigger part in the offense as he’s turned heads with his play and high football IQ.
Damone Clark – LB
Few Cowboys defenders have been as impressive as Clark in camp, as the switch from middle linebacker to the weak side has taken his game to a new level. Playing as a run and chase LB suits Clark’s talents more, and his adjustment to playing in Zimmer’s scheme looks like a better fit.
Clark no longer needs to diagnose the play in the middle of the field, or take on blockers. Instead, he can see the ball and go make plays. Being in a more comfortable role has worked wonders for Clark, and the early returns show that he could be in for his best season.
Headlined by the play from Clark, the linebacker position that many felt was weak heading into camp has proven to be a strength for Zimmer’s unit so far.
Jalen Cropper – WR
Earlier in camp, more veteran receivers were garnering the attention, but the second-year undrafted free agent out of Fresno State has come on strong as the Cowboys started practicing with pads on. Cropper was on the practice squad last year, but he’s proving that the sophomore season jump is a real thing.
The young wideout has turned heads with his route running and quick feet and his ability led to four scores in recent practice.
Cropper has been running more frequently with the first-team offense and has been beating the starting corners on several occasions. He’s also been impressive after the catch, showing the good burst and separation ability that made him an intriguing signing.
Most of the offseason chatter at WR was about which Jalen would take the next step up, Tolbert or Brooks? Although Tolbert has been having a good camp as well, it looks like another Jalen has entered the conversation and the offense has another weapon that expands the depth at a position that seemed weak outside of the top two.
Cropper has been one of the stars early in camp, but he’ll need to continue on that path to make a run at a roster spot.
Which player do you think will be the biggest standout at Cowboys training camp this summer? Share your thoughts with Ben on X (formerly Twitter) @BenGrimaldi.
