Main battles to watch:
– Tyler Guyton vs. Nate Thomas at left tackle. Guyton, the 2024 first-round pick, is trying to lock down the spot after injuries and a shift of pieces last year. The team appears to prefer keeping Guyton at left tackle, giving Thomas a real challenge to earn the job.
– Jaydon Blue vs. Phil Mafah for No. 2 running back. The Cowboys aim to take pressure off Javonte Williams, with Blue offering a speed complement and Mafah, a recent seventh-round pick, competing despite limited carries due to injuries.
– Sam Howell vs. Joe Milton at quarterback. With Howell signing in free agency to back up Prescott and Milton brought in via trade, this minicamp is Milton’s first chance to stake a claim behind the starter, though Milton will need to earn the role against Howell.
Additional context:
– The defense is still developing under a new system and could feature up to seven new starters, creating an amorphous backdrop for these offense-focused battles.
– The Cowboys will regroup for training camp in Oxnard in late July, continuing the evaluation process beyond minicamp.
Key Takeaways:
– Minicamp serves as the final pre-camp diagnostic for crucial offensive positions.
– Guyton’s hold on left tackle and the two-back rotation emphasize improving line protection and ground game balance.
– Quarterback depth competition between Howell and Milton could influence the team’s approach behind Dak Prescott.
