The Dallas Cowboys’ training camp in Oxnard has been buzzing with a renewed sense of purpose. A new coaching staff, led by the fiery Brian Schottenheimer, has brought an unmistakable intensity to the field, pushing players to prove themselves after last season’s disappointing 7-9 record. Schottenheimer’s mantra is clear: toughness is non-negotiable, and every roster spot must be earned. While some players, like cornerback Kaiir Elam and undrafted wide receiver Traeshon Holden, are thriving under the pressure, others are fading into obscurity. One name conspicuously absent from the camp’s highlight reel is rookie defensive tackle Tommy Akingbesote, whose lackluster performance has raised serious questions about his future with the team.
Two weeks into training camp, Akingbesote has been eerily quiet. For a rookie defensive tackle drafted in the seventh round, the expectation wasn’t for him to dominate headlines, but complete invisibility is another story. The Cowboys’ interior defensive line isn’t exactly overflowing with elite talent, leaving plenty of room for a hungry newcomer to make an impression. Yet, Akingbesote has failed to seize the moment, overshadowed by both veterans and lesser-known prospects.
Veterans Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas have predictably set the tone, anchoring the defensive line with strong performances. But it’s the unexpected standouts—seventh-round rookie Jay Toia and free agent signee Perrion Winfrey—who have stolen the spotlight. Toia has earned reps with the starters, while Winfrey has outshined even former first-round pick Mazi Smith. Meanwhile, Akingbesote’s contributions have been so minimal they’ve gone unnoticed, a stark contrast to the splash plays made by another seventh-rounder, Denzel Daxon, who has turned heads despite not making last year’s roster.
To be fair, seventh-round picks like Akingbesote are rarely guaranteed a roster spot. The Cowboys’ front office likely viewed the 22-year-old as a developmental prospect, a raw talent who could grow into a contributor. But there’s a difference between needing time to acclimate and being utterly invisible. Akingbesote isn’t being asked to compete against legends like Bob Lilly or Randy White; he’s struggling to stand out in a defensive line room that’s wide open for impact players.
Schottenheimer’s emphasis on earning a spot through grit and performance has resonated with many on the team, but Akingbesote seems to be missing the message. His quiet camp isn’t just a slow start—it’s a red flag. With a joint practice against the Rams looming on Tuesday and the preseason opener against them on Saturday, time is running out for the rookie to make his case.
Failing to make the 53-man roster wouldn’t be a death sentence for Akingbesote’s career. Many late-round picks spend their rookie seasons on the practice squad, honing their skills for a future opportunity. But even that path requires showing something—a flash of potential, a disruptive play, or at least a pulse. Right now, Akingbesote’s lack of impact has the Cowboys’ staff and fans wondering if he’s worth keeping around at all.
The clock is ticking. If Akingbesote doesn’t start turning heads in Oxnard, his time with Dallas could end before it truly begins. For a team desperate to rebound from last season’s mediocrity, there’s no room for passengers. The rookie needs to channel the intensity Schottenheimer demands and prove he belongs—or risk fading into NFL obscurity.