The Dallas Cowboys kicked off their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, and for fans hungry for some football action, there’s plenty to chew on! Head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the team were surely relieved to see full attendance, allowing them to focus squarely on the field rather than managing holdout drama. But beyond the attendance, Day 1 offered some intriguing glimpses into the Cowboys’ plans for the upcoming season. Let’s break down three key takeaways that signal potential shifts and exciting developments in Dallas!
1. Offseason is for Experimenting: Positional Flexibility is Key!
The Cowboys have always valued versatility, and this offseason is no exception. With Jourdan Lewis’s departure in free agency, the team is actively exploring options to fill the slot cornerback role. We saw continued experimentation with star cornerback DaRon Bland working inside, but the real wrinkle on Tuesday was seeing safety Israel Mukuamu lining up at outside corner. This isn’t entirely new territory for Mukuamu, who played corner at South Carolina, but it’s a fresh look for Dallas. This strategic shift suggests the Cowboys are looking to leverage their defensive backfield’s athleticism and adaptability to create dynamic schemes.
Beyond the secondary, special teams also saw some interesting trials. While KaVontae Turpin remains the primary punt returner, Jalen Tolbert surprisingly took some reps in that role. This suggests the Cowboys are keen on developing alternative options and finding hidden gems in their roster, potentially adding another layer to their special teams attack.
2. Kaiir Elam Continues to Shine: A Steal in the Making?
One of the quieter, yet potentially impactful, offseason moves for the Cowboys was acquiring former first-round pick Kaiir Elam from the Buffalo Bills. Despite his struggles in Buffalo, Elam has been making an undeniable first impression in Dallas. Even without the ability to get physical with wideouts during this early minicamp period, Elam recorded another pass breakup on Tuesday, consistently getting his hands on the ball.
This consistent playmaking from Elam bodes incredibly well for the Cowboys’ secondary. If he can maintain this level of performance and translate it into game situations, bringing him in could prove to be a brilliant move by the front office, adding much-needed depth and talent to their defensive backfield.
3. Joe Milton is Locked In: QB2 Battle Heating Up!
The Cowboys’ trade for quarterback Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots has been a source of intrigue, primarily due to his “rocket arm” and “unreal athleticism.” On Day 1 of minicamp, Milton didn’t just showcase his physical gifts; he demonstrated impressive accuracy, going a perfect 10-for-10 passing in team periods. This level of precision, combined with his raw talent, solidifies his position as the clear-cut QB2 and even makes a compelling case for him to be an upgrade over veteran Cooper Rush.
A strong backup quarterback is crucial for any team with championship aspirations, and Milton’s early performances suggest the Cowboys might have found a gem. His ability to deliver accurate throws, especially deep balls, adds another dimension to their quarterback room and provides valuable insurance for Dak Prescott.