The Dallas Cowboys are wrapping up their offseason team activity (OTA) period this week, as they prepare to launch into the team’s mandatory minicamp next week at The Star in Frisco.
Local media members were on hand to observe practice on Tuesday, as well as to speak with head coach Brian Schottenheimer, executive vice president Stephen Jones and various players.
Here are the biggest notes from the day.
George Pickens shines in front of media
In the first two practice availabilities for the media, new addition wide receiver George Pickens hadn’t seen much action, but that wasn’t the case on Tuesday. With CeeDee Lamb not participating in on-field work, Pickens was thrust into the feature role during the team period.
His highlight came during red zone work when Dak Prescott fired a ball in the end zone along the sideline that Pickens had to fully extend for to haul in. He brought it back in and tip-toed in for the score.
In addition to his on-field work, Pickens’ early approach to his time in Dallas continues to draw praise from the coaches and front office.
“He’s just been outstanding,” Stephen Jones said. “Great to see him and his interactions with CeeDee and the receiver room, and then also his interactions with Dak and the quarterbacks. I think he’s thrilled to be here and we’re thrilled to have him here.”
Trevon Diggs, Micah Parsons attendance checks
Aside from the team participating in its OTA practice on Tuesday, the players are also taking part in the internal media day where every player goes through stations to shoot promotional videos for the upcoming season. It’s a requirement for every player, and it ushered in a present Micah Parsons.
While he did not participate in practice after landing back in Dallas from an overseas trip in the early afternoon following a flight delay, he quickly came through to fulfill his media day responsibilities. Brian Schottenheimer said he has been in steady communication with Parsons and expects him to be present for the team’s mandatory minicamp next week.
As for cornerback Trevon Diggs, Schottenheimer said on Tuesday that he has been in Miami rehabbing his injured knee. He briefly came back to the facility for a checkup two weeks ago and “all signs are positive” that he is on the right track. Of the multiple offseason rehab players, Diggs has been the only one not spotted at OTAs during media availabilities.
Kaiir Elam inspiring confidence at cornerback
In each of the three practice availabilties during OTAs, new cornerback addition Kaiir Elam has registered at least one pass breakup during team periods while working at outside corner.
While the former first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills hasn’t quite found his footing in the league just yet, the early returns have been positive enough to give the coaching staff more confidence in a depleted cornerback room at the moment.
“First-round draft pick, sometimes there’s issues with fit,” Schottenheimer said. “There’s issues with different things, but the talent jumps off the film...He’s in a good spot, I think he’s playing with a lot of confidence. From a confidence standpoint, he’s doing great.”
In addition to Elam, the Cowboys have been rotating outside cornerbacks with the first-team unit such as DaRon Bland, Israel Mukuamu and more while they await the returns of Shavon Revel Jr. and Trevon Diggs.
Safety group battling OTA adversity
Speaking of injuries in the secondary, safety Malik Hooker exited practice early with the medical staff and did not return. According to a Star-Telegram source, the problem is not viewed as anything serious.
However, with Hooker off the field and Donovan Wilson remaining with the rehab group as he recovers from a minor knee procedure, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus had to throw some unique names in at safety with the first-team unit on Tuesday.
While Juanyeh Thomas has been receiving the bulk of Wilson’s first-team reps during OTAs, it was undrafted free agent signings Alijah Clark and Mike Smith that picked up Hooker’s duties on the backend. Safety Markquese Bell would also be an option, but he is in the final stages of his recovery from a season-ending shoulder injury he suffered last year.
Other brief observations
Fifth-round pick linebacker Shemar James and cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. were both with the rehab group.
Fifth-round pick running back Jaydon Blue got more burn with the second-team unit on Tuesday.
Wide receiver Jalen Tolbert hauled in an impressive touchdown reception during red zone work. Prescott fired one to the back of the end zone that he went over a defender to haul in for the score.
Quarterback Joe Milton threw a pick-six to linebacker Damone Clark during the team period and followed it up just a few plays later with a beautifully placed 44-yard pass down the right sideline into the hands of Jalen Brooks.
Two players that stood out with the third-team unit today were undrafted rookie wide receiver Traeshon Holden and defensive end Luiji Vilain.