4 offensive and defensive players Cowboys need to step up in training camp

From established starters to players expected to take on a more significant role in 2024, there is no shortage of things to watch as training camp for the Dallas Cowboys gets underway in Oxnard, California.

While it’s fun to watch the starters reprise their roles from a season ago and settle in, it’s even more interesting to keep an eye on the ones who are expected to step up and make more of an impact than they have in the past with the organization, or that are rookies who are being counted on right away.

Today, we are going to take a look at a handful of players to watch on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball who need to step up their game in training camp.

DEFENSE

DT Mazi Smith

Just about anyway you look at it, Mazi Smith’s rookie season was a disappointment last year. The former first-round pick had minimal impact in the middle of Dallas’ defensive front a season ago, but despite that he is expected to take a significant step forward entering his sophomore season. Mike Zimmer’s defensive scheme relies pretty heavily on a space-eating, run-stopper and needs Smith to prove he’s that player in training camp.

DE Sam Williams

With both Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler following Dan Quinn to Washington in free agency, a lot more is expected of Sam Williams heading into his third season with the Cowboys. Up until this point of his career he’s really only showed flashes of his potential, but now has the opportunity to shine in what is expected to be a much bigger defensive role behind DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons. Consistency will be key for him.

CB Caelen Carson

In Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Jourdan Lewis the Cowboys have a really good trio at cornerback heading into the 2024 season. What they don’t have though is a reliable backup on the outside or in the slot. Caelen Carson has that inside/out versatility and is probably currently the favorite to emerge as the CB4 on the depth chart, but will need a strong training camp/preseason to lockdown that important job.

LB DeMarvion Overshown

Despite his rookie season being cut short abruptly due to a season-ending knee injury in the second preseason game last year, big things are expected from DeMarvion Overshown this year. He looks noticeably bigger and stronger entering training camp and is expected to push for a starting job in 2024. If he can hit the ground running he should help solidify the LB position.

OFFENSE

OC Cooper Beebe

Despite never playing a single snap at center during his time at Kansas State, Cooper Beebe is expected to replace Tyler Biadasz as the Cowboys new starting OC as a rookie in 2024. Being sandwiched between Zack Martin and Tyler Smith will certainly help transition to a new position, but from setting up the pre-snap adjustments to snapping the ball he still has a lot to learn in training camp.

LT Tyler Guyton

There may not be another player on the Cowboys entire roster who needs to step up in training camp more than Tyler Guyton. Dallas really needs to get the 29th overall pick in the first-round this year up to speed as quickly as possible as their new blindside protector. Replacing someone like Tyron Smith won’t be easy, but the Cowboys season probably depends on how well he performs in his rookie year.

WR Jalen Tolbert

Jalen Tolbert is the favorite to win the WR3 job behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks right now, but will really need to step up his game in training camp to hold off his competitors. The opportunity has never been better for him to be a key factor in Dallas’ aerial attack. He’ll need to build a rapport with QB Dak Prescott to prove he can be a consistent and reliable weapon in training camp to secure the WR3 job.

TE Luke Schoonmaker

The main thing Luke Schoonmaker needs to do in training camp is to get healthy and stay that way. Injuries hampered his development and production last season and if that carries over into Year 2, he could find himself losing his TE2 job. If he can put his health issues behind him that alone should elevate his game and potentially help him become a bigger factor in the Cowboys offensive game plan in 2024.