In the final press conference to close out training camp in California, Dallas Cowboys head coach was asked to name five players who exceeded his expectations. Not only did he surprisingly comply, but he didn’t hesitate to name 10 instead of just five.
“Caleb Downs, special young player,” he said. “Rashan Gary’s leadership has jumped out at me. And as a player, you guys know that. (Otito Ogbonnia), I mean, you talk about a guy that we thought we were getting maybe a run stopper. This guy’s a good football player, damn good football player, massive, really strong with his hands.
“Very proud of (Shavon Revel). I’m just going to keep ripping names. … Jonathan Mingo, Camden Brown, Tyler Guyton, Javonte Williams, Ryan Flournoy, Bryan Anger, however old he is. He just hit a couple 75 yard punts.
“But it’s been a great camp. It really has. And there’s been a ton of guys that have stood out. I’m very, very pleased with how the camp’s going.”
Of the players Brian Schottenheimer mentioned, Jonathan Mingo is the one who may be the most surprising. He’s somewhat forgotten/overlooked outside the organization, but is having a strong camp and putting himself in contention for a roster spot this year. While he wouldn’t made our list of players exceeding expectations, it’s worth noting he made Schottenheimer’s.
Speaking of the players who have exceeded our expectations, here’s the 10 who would make our list.
- QB Joe Milton – His arm strength and athleticism has always been impressive, but his improved accuracy and touch looks so much better than last year. He’s our favored QB2 ahead of Sam Howell right now.
- RB Israel Abanikanda – He’s a sleeper in the running back competition, but has looked just as good as any of his competitors throughout training camp/preseason. Despite that, he’s still a long shot to make the roster.
- WR Camden Brown – The undrafted rookie has far exceeded anyone’s expectations. He’s been one of the stars of training camp and carried it over into the preseason. If he has a locked down a roster spot yet, he’s very close to doing so.
- WR Anthony Smith – For a seventh-round pick, he has made his fair share of plays throughout training camp, showcasing his talent/potential. He could get caught in a numbers crunch at WR, but he has made a case to stay with the club.
- TE Michael Trigg – Expectations were high for Trigg coming out of Baylor, but even we were surprised how comfortable he looks already has a rookie. He should already be on equal footing with Luke Schoonmaker as Dallas’ TE3.
- DL Otito Ogbonnia – He was believed to be just a depth signing, but has surprisingly proven to be more than that. Adding him to the mix with Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams should form an impressive defensive front this year.
- LB Jaishawn Barham – Whether in run defense or pass coverage, the rookie out of Michigan has impressed throughout training camp. He currently finds himself in the position of pushing for starter reps this year, despite missing a little time with a groin injury.
- CB Cobie Durant – He didn’t arrive in Dallas with much expectations, but he quickly changed that. He’s performed like a starter from Day 1 and should play a huge defensive role this year whether it’s opposite DaRon Bland or as a backup.
- CB Shavon Revel – A third-round pick with first-round talent is finally playing as such. His health from his past knee injury was a concern, but no longer so. He’s been impressive throughout camp and could win a starting job in his second-year.
- S Julius Wood – He’s someone who could find himself caught in a numbers crunch once again with the Cowboys, but there’s no doubt he’s deserving of a roster spot. He’s a versatile, hard-hitting safety with high potential.
Which Cowboys players have exceeded your expectations?
