FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up mandatory minicamp with a palpable energy flowing through the walls of The Star. That "juice" starts with one of Dallas' first additions this offseason in head coach hire Brian Schottenheimer.
In the NFL Draft and free agency, Schottenheimer's influence was felt when Dallas filled out the roster with players who have a strong leadership reputation and still helped in key areas on the roster.
Schotty has pushed a competitive and relationship-driven program this offseason that all players and coaches seem completely invested in.
There has been a lot to take away from this high-intensity OTA and minicamp period on the field, so here is a rundown of what the Cowboys' depth chart looks like to kick off the 40-ish-day vacation before training camp in Oxnard.
Quarterback
Dak Prescott
Joe Milton
Will Grier
We believe the first major shake up on the pecking order was the most important position on the field. Milton has wow'ed the media and coaches all offseason long, and his place as Dak Prescott's backup seems firm with the increasing amount of reps he's earned in workouts.
Running Back
Javonte Williams
Miles Sanders
Jaydon Blue
Phil Mafah
Deuce Vaughn
Hunter Luepke
The competition for who will earn the starting running back position remains the hottest topic heading into training camp. The Cowboys have raved about all of the new faces so far, but we don't expect a clear starter to be named until after camp at the earliest. For now, the experienced free agent pieces Williams and Sanders get the top spots, with speedy rookie Blue close behind. (Luekpe is in good shape as a do-it-all fullback.)
Wide Receiver
CeeDee Lamb
George Pickens
Jalen Tolbert
Johnathan Mingo
KaVontae Turpin
Jalen Brooks
Ryan Flournoy
Parris Campbell
Traeshon Holden
Call them first and second option, 1A and 1B, or the "Goodfellas" ... Dallas' move to pair All-Pro Lamb with an explosive budding star in Pickens is the move of the offseason.
Now the controversy turns to who will be WR3. Tolbert has enough experience to fill the role nicely, but the Cowboys will likely give Mingo as many chances as possible to earn the spot. Him performing well would make the team feel like his questionable mid-season trade was worthwhile - something we believe could be in Jerry Jones' mind. Turpin is another WR3-level contributor, but may be used most in creative spots and not receive enough regular targets as a traditional receiver.
Tight End
Jake Ferguson
Brevyn Spann-Ford
Luke Schoonmaker
John Stephens Jr.
Tyler Neville
Princeton Fant
"BSF" may be the strongest threat of all to leapfrog to the top of a position group more than he already has. Reports of him "stealing snaps" during an incredible offseason this year tells you all you need to know - the Cowboys are experimenting with him in the starting lineup.
Ferguson is still the clear starter as the more polished pass-catcher, but don't be surprised if Spann-Ford continues his momentum into training camp and Dallas finds a way to get him more snaps this regular season.
Offensive Line
LT: Tyler Guyton
LG: Tyler Smith
C: Cooper Beebe
RG: Tyler Booker
RT: Terence Steele
Reserves: (Tackle) Asim Richards, Matt Waletzo, Nathan Thomas, Hakeemm Adeniji, Ajani Cornelius. (Guard/Center) Brock Hoffman, Rob Jones, T.J. Bass, Saahdiq Charles
Anything straying from this starting five would be a major surprise. Guyton has committed himself to rebounding from a shaky rookie season and we expect the Cowboys to ride with him on the left side. Booker is projecting to play well as a rookie, but players like Beebe, Hoffman, and All-Pro Smith are versatile enough to shuffle things around if need be.
Defensive End
Micah Parsons
Dante Fowler Jr.
Marshawn Kneeland
Sam Williams
Donovan Ezeiruaku
Payton Turner
Tyrus Wheat
Parsons and Fowler will form a duo capable of 10+ sacks each, but the depth behind them could see a lot of rotating. Youngsters Kneeland and Williams are still out to prove they belong with the top unit when healthy. Rookie Ezeiruaku also profiles as a swiss-army knife, similar to how Parsons was coming out of college. He could see reps at multiple levels of the defense as defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus examines where he fits best.
Defensive Tackle
Osa Odighizuwa
Mazi Smith
Solomon Thomas
Jay Toia
Justin Rogers
Denzel Daxon
The Cowboys' run defense - arguably last season's weakest link - is counting on a break through for former first-rounder Mazi Smith. If he continues to struggle adjusting to the NFL, there will be a lot of pressure on Thomas and rookie Toia to try to fill gaps next to Osa.
Linebacker
Kenneth Murray Jr.
Jack Sanborn
Marist Liufau
Damone Clark
Buddy Johnson
Shemar James
(injured) DeMarvion Overshown
Dallas was on a mission to find a starting linebacker, or two, this offseason with Overshown out for a while. The two veteran free agents in Murray and Sanborn are predicted to see the most action, despite Liufau being the best returning Cowboy after a solid rookie campaign.
This position may also see quite a bit of shuffling until Overshown, an obvious starter, returns from another ACL tear.
Cornerbacks
DaRon Bland
Kaiir Elam
Caelen Carson
Andrew Booth
Kemon Hall
Luc Barcoo
Troy Pride Jr.
(injured) Trevon Diggs
(injured) Shavon Revel Jr.
(injured) Josh Butler
Elam had a fantastic spring and has likely earned a starting boundary spot until Diggs returns from his second recent knee surgery. The slot corner position is another heated competition at training camp, with Bland, Carson, and various safeties in the running to move inside.
Safeties
Malik Hooker
Donovan Wilson
Israel Mukuamu
Juanyeh Thomas
Markquese Bell
Alijah Clark
Zion Childress
Mukuamu and Thomas could see a good amount of snaps at slot corner with Hooker and Wilson remaining the best duo possible at safety.
Special Teams
K: Brandon Aubrey
PR/KR: KaVontae Turpin
P: Bryan Anger
Just in case your were wondering, this All-Pro unit is undoubtably sticking together to light it up on special teams.