> Loser: Tyler Guyton, LT
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> Brian Schottenheimer dropped the news that felt months in the making when he said that the Cowboys are going to [make Guyton earn the left tackle job](https://www.nfl.com/news/tyler-guyton-nathan-thomas-cowboys-starting-left-tackle-competition). The 2024 first-round pick will compete with former seventh-rounder Nate Thomas and rookie fourth-round pick Drew Shelton.
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> It remains to be seen how hard Thomas and Shelton will push Guyton, but the Cowboys are making the right call. It’s the wake-up call Guyton needs following an uneven start to his career that’s been defined by shaky pass protection, costly penalties, and injuries.
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> No matter how you slice it, it’s definitely discouraging that your 2024 first-round pick is competing with a seventh-round selection from the same class, especially considering Thomas has been underwhelming whenever he’s been asked to play left tackle.
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> Winner: Caelen Carson, CB
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> Carson has become a forgotten man in Dallas’ cornerback room, and understandably so, as both of his first two years in the league have been cut short by injuries. He’s only played in 14 games (eight starts), leaving many wondering if he’ll even be on the team in 2026.
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> Well, with DaRon Bland recovering from foot surgery, Carson has gotten burn with the starting defense, rotating with Shavon Revel and Cobie Durant on the outside, with Caleb Downs working almost exclusively in the slot along with Durant.
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> Schotteheimer even named Carson as one of a few players who’ve made plays in the early goings. With Bland not expected to return until training camp, Carson should continue to get plenty of opportunities with the first-team defense.
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> Winner: Caleb Downs, DB
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> Like any rookie, Downs has made mistakes. However, Schottenheimer praised the rookie’s coachability, saying that he “never makes the same mistake twice,” which he believes is the “greatest compliment you can give to a young player.”
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> As far as OTAs are concerned, that’s far more impressive than forcing a turnover, blowing up a play in the backfield, or breaking up a pass. The splash plays will come. For now, Downs is absorbing Christian Parker’s scheme as the starting nickel and impressing teammates with a veteran-like approach.
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> _**“He has all of the tools, man,”**_ _Quinnen Williams said of Downs._ _**“He has all the things that you want from a guy to come in and make an immediate impact. He’s humble, he’s ready to learn.”**_
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> Downs’ stock is trending up.