Highlights Of The Dallas Cowboys Mandatory Minicamp Practice (Day 1)

The Cowboys began the first of three mandatory minicamp practices today out at the Star. The best thing about these next three days is that it’s completely open to the media. Unlike OTA’s, the media will be seeing all the action instead of one day per week. That also means we’ll get a few more nuggets of knowledge as to what’s going on with every player, including Jaylon Smith who has spent only one day in front of the media.

First, the guys that missed today’s practice:

There is a lot of focus on the secondary and especially at strong safety, where there is the veteran, Jeff Heath, trying to hold onto a starting spot:

This week, sans much news, Dez Bryant made headlines trying to recruit Darrelle Revis, Rod Marinelli wasn’t amused:

If you saw the list of those missing today and gasped at Rico Gathers’ name, don’t fret, he’s just under the weather.

Here’s a couple of action shots of what we’ll never get tired of seeing in this offense:

Ezekiel Elliott has plans to get the rock even more in 2017 and he has the blessing of his position coach:

Perhaps the best person to learn from is the best receiver on the team...

According to Dave Helman of the mothership, here are the best plays of the day:

The winners get to gloat and Brice Butler was not above showing off his fandom for the Warriors.

When you have to go up against the best every day, those battles will certainly teach you how to compete. Taco Charlton has his work cut out with All-Pro Tyron Smith:

Hot-Rod also spoke about Sean Lee and the veteran’s amazing approach to practice no matter the circumstances:

La’el Collins made some headlines when he said he doesn’t care about pass rushers in the NFL, he cleared up his thoughts today:

With Collins working predominately at right tackle, that leaves a hole at left guard. Chaz Green is being given a fair shot at the position. So far, there is still a lot of work for these guys to accomplish to take over for Ron Leary:

Bryan Broaddus has eluded that we won’t know about this position until training camp is getting hot.

The offensive line has been the heartbeat of this team and even without Doug Free, they continue to travel like a wolfpack:

If you ask Zeke about the movement along the offensive line, he’s not in the least bit concerned. He’s got confidence in whoever is asked to step up:

For your first day of Jaylon-watch, it was business as usual:

One of the best traits rookie cornerback Chidobe Awuzie has is his versatility. Still, Marinelli stresses the importance of finding a role for a player like him:

Today was a bit lighthearted as the Cowboys have had near perfect participation. Dallas will be back to work tomorrow with more action but keep up with BTB for all your minicamp news. We’re very proud to be one of the most comprehensive Cowboys’ sites on the planet, you don’t want to miss out! We’ll be back with any updates...