Training camp is a time when teams install playbooks, shape out the 53-man roster, and build chemistry and conditioning. For the Cowboys players, some stand to gain more than others. Here are some players who, with a good camp, could change their outlook for the season.
In the immortal words of Cris Collinsworth, “Now here’s a guy…” Here is a guy who has the opportunity to make a big leap on the 53-man roster if he stands out in camp. The RB rotation behind Javonte Williams is not set in stone, and even though fifth-year pro Malik Davis has done fairly well with the opportunities given, it’s not a stretch to think that the soon-to-be 28-year-old back has reached his ceiling.
Blue, on the other hand, is in his second year and is building on his already formidable speed and elusiveness. If he continues to develop those skills, he is absolutely a viable option for the second back behind Williams. The only thing that could hold him back is how well he holds up in pass-protection. It isn’t a secret how much the Cowboys covet RBs that can block, and if Blue can at least prove serviceable in that area, be prepared to see a dramatic increase in snaps for the second year back in 2026.
The second-year corner recently made waves by saying he sees himself as being the best corner in the league someday. For that to be true, he has a long way to go, but luckily for him, he has his whole career ahead of him.
Last year, Revel Jr. had a hard time staying healthy and getting onto the field. He played in only seven games, starting five, and had a negligible impact on what ended up being one of the worst defensive units of all time.
Revel Jr. also has the physical tools to make an impact. At 6’1”, 194 lbs., he’s equipped to handle the best receivers in the league. Positionally, Cobie Durant and DaRon Bland are probably shoe-ins for the outside corner positions, and Caleb Downs will be seeing a ton of action as the nickelback, but beyond them, a large rotational role as the third cornerback is up for the taking.
Overshown is someone who has shown us glimpses of absolute magic when he’s been healthy, but that phrase has haunted him: “when healthy.” The third-year pro is looking to put together a complete season, which would be a first, and the shifting defensive scheme should give him a chance to shine even more on the interior of the second level of the defense.
From a camp perspective, nobody is challenging him for one of the two starting MLB spots on the defense, assuming Dee Winters is taking the other position. Ideally, the influx of talent on the defensive line could help Overshown, and with the speed and explosiveness he’s shown in spots in his career, he could see a huge role leading the charge of a possibly much improved defense.
The only rookie on this list, but another young buck oozing with talent and at 6’4” 250, he’s almost a prototype edge that any team would love to have on their team. Like the linebacker position, the edge positions have an influx of talent and youth that should open up fierce position battles and get the best out of those competing for top spots along the defensive line of scrimmage.
The rookie amassed 20 sacks and 28 tackles-for-loss in his four-year career at UCF. Lawrence was a force that was frequently disruptive in the offensive backfield and stood out on tape. With a lot of question marks along the edge and a healthy mix of vets like Rashan Gary and James Houston, this position is ripe for the taking, and a good camp could even elevate Lawrence into a starting role.
The longest tenured and oldest Cowboy on this list. The fifth-year pro has stood out as one of the best returners in the game. He averages 27.7 yards per kickoff return and over 920 kickoff yards per season. For Turpin, he’s been as solid as a returner, however, the criticism has been that he should have made a bigger leap at receiver at this point in his career.
Over the course of four years, he’s put up respectable numbers, with career averages of 18 catches, 249 yards, 13.6 yards per catch and two touchdowns. It seems like gravy, but many fans and pundits alike have asked for more, and with his smaller frame, 5’9”, 153 lbs., run blocking may always be a challenge, limiting his opportunities on the field. So, with obvious areas for improvement, a focused approach could help Turpin become a more well-rounded NFL receiver, leading to more snaps and more chances to impact the game.
Who do you think stands to gain the most from a solid training camp?
See More:
* [Dallas Cowboys Preseason](/dallas-cowboys-preseason)
* [Dallas Cowboys Training Camp](/dallas-cowboys-training-camp)