The Dallas Cowboys have now completed one week of training camp out in Oxnard. It hasn’t just been the California sun that has shined, but also several players and position groups are looking extremely sharp right out of the gate.
Dak Prescott is already looking in mid-season form as the 11-year veteran has been wheeling and dealing on a daily basis. Rookie safety Caleb Downs is everything that people said he was, and his versatility is going to bring a different element to what the Cowboys do defensively
under Christian Parker. Also, Qunnien Williams and Kenny Clark are showing how disruptive they can be.
While all those things are great to see, they aren’t shockers by any means. However, there been several things that have stood out that most people didn’t see coming. Let’s take a look at three surprises so far at camp.
Several RBs are having great camps early
Javonte Williams is the undisputed RB1 in Dallas. Don’t tell him that though, because he’s been playing with his hair on fire. He looks explosive running between the tackles, and he’s even been featured in the screen game, which is something that head coach Brian Schottenheimer talked about before camp. With that said, he’s not alone.
Jaydon Blue didn’t have the rookie season he wanted in 2025, but he has put that in his rear view. He looks very confident in what he’s doing, and his speed has been on full display with several huge plays so far. Add Phil Mafah’s name to this as well. He worked on his explosiveness during the offseason, and positive results have come about already.
Williams had a very good season a year ago with over 1,200 yards, proving that he can be a bell-cow. Dallas needs for him to be fresh at the end of ball games, and the best way to do that is having other reliable options. Blue and Mafah are showing early that this group has the potential to cause a lot of headaches for opposing defenses.
Jaishawn Barham looks ahead of schedule
Jaishawn Barham was picked in the third round by Dallas back in April, and there was buzz about what he could potentially bring to the Cowboys revamped defense. None if that mattered until he got camp, which is when he would really have to prove if he wanted early playing time. Not only is he showing that he’s going to be a big factor, but Barham looks like a guy who has already been in the league for years.
The former Michigan Wolverine has shined in individual drills and during team periods against the likes of All-Pro guard Tyler Smith and the aforementioned Blue. He brings linebacker and edge skills to the table, and Parker intends to take full advantage of that versatility in his philosophy. Needless to say, Barham is undoubtedly ahead of where people thought he’d be right now.
Otito Ogbonnia is standing out
The Cowboys decided to trade defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers on March 11th. The day before that, they added Ogbonnia to the roster, who played in 41 games with 20 starts over his four years with the Los Angeles Chargers. He has some injury history, including missing eight games with an elbow issue last season. Ogbonnia also has a reputation for stopping the run, and its been no different in camp.
In the Cowboys base look, Ogbonnia has been on the field with Qunnien Williams and Kenny Clark, and the trio have been effective consistently. Stopping the run has been a huge issue for Dallas over the years, and Ogbonnia and his 6’4″, 320-pound frame can be a big difference maker. It wasn’t a flashy signing, but Ogbonnia could end up being an impact offseason addition in Dallas.
