The 10 Dallas Cowboys players making strong impressions through first half of camp

New York Times

12 hours ago

OXNARD, Calif. — The Dallas Cowboys have had nine training camp practices since arriving in California on July 20. Four have been in full pads. Seven practices and one preseason game remain before the team heads back to Dallas. To give you an idea of how things have been going, here are 10 players (six offense, four defense) who have stood out.
Advertisement
Breaking news, the team's best offensive player and four-time Pro Bowler has looked good. Well, he's actually looked great. Lamb has basically caught everything thrown his way, performing like someone who would be just fine starting the season tomorrow. There is no need to see Lamb in the preseason. He'll get valuable work in Tuesday's practice with the Los Angeles Rams. Missing the four weeks of camp in California last year contributed to Lamb getting off to a slower start last season. Don't expect the same this year. Dallas' WR1 is preparing to have the best season of his career.
Dak to CeeDee pic.twitter.com/CkJ0s3Thz7
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 2, 2025
It took the former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver a few practices to click with quarterback Dak Prescott, but he's there now. Last Thursday was the practice that put things over the top as Prescott connected with Pickens for three touchdowns. 'It's super fun,' Pickens said. 'The different plays, like I said, more air-efficient playbook. … I'm super confident already. Just falling in line. I'm not really here to overdo the confidence. I'm just here to hop on the train and just keep going with what they've been doing.' The Lamb and Pickens duo is looking as good as the Cowboys could've hoped for when they made the trade in May.
George Pickens TD 👀 pic.twitter.com/1SLWVvaXfb
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 31, 2025
Cornerback is an area of concern. No one knows when Trevon Diggs (knee) will be able to return. Entering camp, there was belief that rookie Shavon Revel Jr. (knee) would start practicing at some point in California, but that timetable remains uncertain. The March trade for Elam is looking like an outstanding move. He's stood out most of all the team's defensive backs, getting his hands on passes and causing turnovers. Elam looks locked into one of the starting CB spots. DaRon Bland is locked into another. There's still a need for at least one more corner to step up. Elam has to produce in games, but so far he looks every bit of the player that Buffalo drafted 23rd in 2022.
Kaiir Elam interception and great celebration pic.twitter.com/Z26SatpgJV
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 26, 2025
Young edge rushers usually need time to be effective on the field. That hasn't been the case for Ezeiruaku. His speed has jumped out from the start of camp, causing problems for whatever offensive tackle has lined up in front of him. Dallas has a deep defensive end group with Micah Parsons, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams and Marshawn Kneeland. But Ezeiruaku looks like a player who's going to be difficult to keep on the sidelines. 'He plays with an edge,' Fowler said. 'I love Don's confidence. He led college football in sacks last year (16 1/2), so his confidence is really (high). The way he plays out there, I see why he has that type of confidence. He's a very special young guy.'
Cowboys rookie DE Donovan Ezeiruaku: 'I think camp is going really well. I've been ready (to put the pads on) since they called my name on draft night.'
'I think the sky is the limit for this (DE) group. We got talent. God-willing, we stay healthy.'
What do you like about this… pic.twitter.com/dyz12CfNMx
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 27, 2025
The running back group has been an interesting one to monitor. Javonte Williams entered camp as the probable No. 1 guy. Miles Sanders then started to stand out a little more. With those two being the veterans, they could get the bulk of the touches early in the season. But lately, Blue has been standing out more and more, to the point he's been getting some first-team reps. When given the opportunity, he's been taking care of the football, showcasing his speed, athleticism and quality hands. Each day that goes by, Blue appears to be getting more comfortable with the offense and speed of the NFL game.
Jaydon Blue pic.twitter.com/6EfG4yVdrR
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 31, 2025
Almost every year there's a lesser-known Cowboys wide receiver at camp who becomes a fan favorite. Holden is that player this year. And frankly, he has stood out more than any other in that category in recent memory. Almost every practice, he has a noteworthy moment where he stands out. The Cowboys have Lamb, Pickens, Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin and Jonathan Mingo. Those are probably the five who will be active on game days. But Holden is putting himself in position to be No. 6, if Dallas chooses to carry that many. He's near the top of the list of players to watch in the preseason.
Traeshon Holden pic.twitter.com/59U6MbUYxD
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025
Most already know him for his outstanding ability as a kick and punt returner, but Turpin has more to offer. He has shown glimpses in the passing game. And there should be even more of that in Brian Schottenheimer's offense. But also look for an increase of Turpin in the run game. They'll pick their spots, but he has home run potential any time he touches the ball. Expect him to be more involved in the offense this year than at any other time over the last three seasons.
KaVontae Turpin pic.twitter.com/0pgAJOK5Fv
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 2, 2025
Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray got the majority of first-team linebacker work during organized team activities and minicamp. Training camp started the same way. But Murray left camp for the birth of his child, and Liufau has been standing out more and more during each practice. The second-year linebacker has a ton of upside. The combination of him and DeMarvion Overshown is probably the future of the position in Dallas. Liufau has the potential to have a big impact in Year 2.
Marist Liufau pic.twitter.com/X9Z8LbEt8A
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 2, 2025
The veteran safety has made plays on the ball in the air while also being in great position to make tackles in the run game. The Cowboys do not tackle in training camp practices. They hit but do not bring each other to the ground. Hooker has been in position on several plays to deliver a big hit, but he has avoided anything that could potentially injure himself or a teammate. He looks comfortable in the new defense, which shouldn't be a surprise considering new Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was his DC for three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.
Malik Hooker INT 👀 pic.twitter.com/QY3M52RHHt
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 24, 2025
He has impressed both the former coaching staff and the current one. Like Turpin, his offensive role is increasing. Luepke has lined up as a fullback, halfback and tight end for Schottenheimer during camp. The variety in the offensive scheme appears to include several formations that will use the 2023 undrafted free agent. Luepke was asked last week what he tells people when they ask what position he plays. 'Everything,' he said with a smile. 'Any way I can be on the field, I'm going to try to do it. Whatever they ask me to do, I'm going to do it. … Coach is trying to be as multiple as possible out there, so I just think me being able to play multiple positions and being able to shift and move around and see different IDs, or go in on pass pro for running backs, run routes with tight ends, the more you can do, the better for this offense. And I think I can do that.'
A lot of praise for FB Hunter Luepke early in camp pic.twitter.com/uPHshzq7Sw
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 28, 2025
(Photo of Jaydon Blue: Kirby Lee / Imagn Images)