Training camp for the Dallas Cowboys begins on July 25th in Oxnard, California, but this isn’t a time for the team to relax. Several players need to use this as a time to prove their worth on the team and show that they are worth keeping through camp and into the season.
Better yet, they need to show what they can do so that they can stay on the field. These five offensive players must prove themselves early on.
The 5 Offensive Players the Cowboys Are Hoping to See the Most From
1. Trey Lance–QB
Trey Lance is favored by several critics in his ability to make action happen. Lance was drafted as the 3rd overall pick in 2021 by the San Francisco 49ers. However, during his time in San Fran, Lance received little playing time. This past season in 2023, he didn’t play at all. Between the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Lance only played eight games, totaling 797 passing yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.
His 2019 college stats look a lot more favorable, with 2,786 yards, 28 touchdowns, and no interceptions. The goal of the Cowboys should be to grow Lance into a favorable replacement in case Dak Prescott proves to be either too expensive or too much of a let down. He’s the one to watch this training camp.
2. Tyler Guyton–OT
As the blindside tackle for the Cowboys, Tyler Guyton, the rookie from Oklahoma, has some big shoes to fill. With the departure of Tyron Smith, Guyton is left to protect Prescott from the 39 sacks he received this past year.
Several amazing plays in his college career prove that Guyton will be one to watch this Cowboys training camp. With experience in helping the run and protecting the quarterback, Guyton will be an invaluable treasure to improving the Cowboys offensive power. Watching him during preseason will tell us a lot about his capabilities in the NFL.
3. Ezekiel Elliott–RB
Bringing Ezekiel Elliott back to the Dallas Cowboys could be a fantastic move. In his final season with Dallas, he put up 876 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. His stats rival that of Tony Pollard, who was picked up by the Tennessee Titans during free agency. Or at least, they used to.
In the 2023 football season, Elliot only had 642 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a year long contract with the New England Patriots. Elliot has been inconsistent his entire career, racking up 1000 yards some seasons and 600 yards in others. Dallas desperately needs to see if the synergy with his former teammates can shape him up or if they’ll cut his contract early.
4. Ryan Flournoy–WR
A wide receiver coming from Southeast Missouri State, Ryan Flournoy is another name with an impressive background. In his final collegiate season, he managed 57 receptions, 839 yards, and six touchdowns.
Right now, the Cowboys are seriously lacking a wide receiver that can run with CeeDee Lamb. The stats listed above, though collegiate, still are better than ever other receiver on the Cowboys team. If Lamb gets traded, then they’re going to need someone with skill to step up to the plate, and Flournoy is a viable option.
5. Nathan Thomas–OT
Part of the reason that the Cowboys have struggled to solidify their offense is their weaker run game. When compared for yards against other running backs in the league, Pollard found himself in 12th place. Exceedingly average.
Enter a possible solution to the run game problems–Nathan Thomas. A 7th round draft pick from Louisiana University who was known to be a good block for the run. Time will tell if he’ll be successful in protecting the running back in this upcoming season.
The Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Will Reveal A Lot
There are tons of places where Dallas needs to repair if they want to see some drastic changes to their year. A good chunk of that starts with some of the names listed above. There are high hopes they’ll be able to move the program further–specifically, past the first round of playoffs.
Main Image: Chris Jones – USA Today Sports
