Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Standouts

As the pre-season winds down and we inch closer to the start of the regular season. Let’s take a look at some guys that have really stood out during camp.

Cooper Rush

Coming into camp, there wasn’t much talk about third string quarterback, Cooper Rush. Now, after performing well in all three preseason games, people are asking if he should take over the number two spot on the depth chart. Those people include some members of the Cowboys organization. After his performance against the Indianapolis Colts, Rush was sharing second team reps with Kellen Moore. Moore has opened the door with his underwhelming camp. According to Orlando Scandrick, Dak is leading the Cooper Rush fan club.

Anthony Hitchens

Lost in all the Jaylon Smith hype and excitement, Anthony Hitchens has been under the radar. Hitchens is not to be forgotten. Todd Archer has said that Hitchens has been the best defensive player during camp. Hitchens is coming off a season where he had more than 100 tackles and is continuing to progress.

Brice Butler

Dez Bryant has said that this is the best receiving core he has been a part of since he joined the Dallas Cowboys. Of course you know the names like Dez, Cole Beasley and Terrance Williams, but a guy who’s had a great camp is Brice Butler. Since being acquired from the Oakland Raiders, Butler has shown flashes of being great but also has had some moments that will make you shake your head. Consistency with finishing catches is one thing that Butler wanted to work on this off-season and so far, that hard work is paying off making this receiving core even deeper.

Rod Smith

Rod Smith is another guy that is going to make roster cuts a very difficult time for the Cowboys. Smith is only 25 years old and is a very physical runner.

If Smith makes the 53 man roster, that might spell the end of one of veteran running backs just based on roster construction.

Dak Prescott & Dez Bryant

I put these two together because their improved chemistry was on full display Saturday night. Dak Prescott and Dez Bryant hit the field for the first time during the preseason Saturday and connected on 2 passes, one for a 32 yard touchdown on a back shoulder throw.

Last week, Dak was asked who the most improved player was and his answer was Dez Bryant.

Dak is quieting all talk about a “sophomore slump.” Many have pointed out that even in practices Dak has been a lot better than a year ago. Dak has credited more reps and more knowledge of the system as to why.

Orlando Scandrick

A lot of good things happened Saturday night for the Cowboys. None of which are bigger than the play of Orlando Scandrick. Scandrick showed flashes of 2014, where he was the best corner on a 12-4 team. His biggest question mark is health and Scandrick is aware of that. At the same time, Scandrick feels he is back and playing better football than he was before the most recent injuries and plans to play 4-5 more years.

Next Up? 

The Cowboys will face the Oakland Raiders Saturday night. Coach Garrett has come out and said this will be the most action the starters will see during the preseason.