:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55281689/usa_today_10106975.0.jpg)
Well, just like that we’re at the end of the mandatory minicamp practices and before we know it training camp will be here.
It seems like rookie CB Chidobe Awuzie is standing out to folks outside of the normal Cowboys’ reporters:
Seen a few teams in OTAs/minis since draft. Rookie I like: #Cowboys DB Chidobe Awuzie. They move him around & looks like belongs out there.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) June 15, 2017
Dez Bryant impressed by rookie CBs Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis. "Before it's all said and done you guys are going to know their names."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 15, 2017
Awuzie isn’t the only impressive new DB, Jourdan Lewis is fiery:
Cowboys rookie CB Jourdan Lewis had a would-be sack in team drills blitzing from the slot. Was inside the 10.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) June 15, 2017
You can always count on Dez Bryant for a few words, he’s as hyped as ever and can’t wait for this to continue:
Dez Bryant: "We're here just ready to ball. We had great OTAs, great minicamp. We're looking forward to training camp."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 15, 2017
Dez on WRs vs DBs: "I think this is the best we've ever competed against one another. The defense has been on us but we've been on them too"
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 15, 2017
Speaking of DB’s, one Cowboy was being tested today by Dak Prescott and he didn’t disappoint:
I counted at least three pass breakups from Cowboys S Byron Jones today in practice. Dak Prescott seemed to be going at him.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) June 15, 2017
Honestly, he's got a bit of a reserved demeanor off the field. But Byron as a player has always been incredibly confident IMO. Competitive. https://t.co/qzekDf5BZm
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) June 15, 2017
Byron Jones was everywhere in practice. Maybe it was his pink cleats. He had several pass breakups in final, spirited practice of offseason.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) June 15, 2017
Byron Jones is not shy of competitive drive, he even had the gall to mix it up with Gold Jacket Witt:
Witten, Byron Jones barked at each other after a play. Asked about the exchange, Garrett smiled. Coaches love competition like that in June.
— Rob Phillips (@robphillips3) June 15, 2017
This is nothing new for Jones. He and Witten battled in training camp. pic.twitter.com/qS0Het3AKH
— Bryan Broaddus (@BryanBroaddus) June 15, 2017
A few plays after Byron Jones-Jason Witten shoving match, Byron broke up pass over middle to Witten. Witten fell, popped up, back to huddle.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) June 15, 2017
Competition is the driving force behind this successful offseason, Jason Witten is about as competitive as they come:
Jason Garrett on Jason Witten: "He inspires me every day. He's a really special guy. We're lucky to have him." pic.twitter.com/ESdm9ETabo
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 15, 2017
Jason Witten pic.twitter.com/p0Vl3kJ8XL
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 15, 2017
Jason Garrett offered up some insight into Jaylon Smith and it’s business as usual - day-to-day.
Jason Garrett: Jaylon Smith has handled all the work well during offseason. Not making a lot of predictions but optimistic about his future.
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 15, 2017
Jason Garrett on Jaylon Smith: we're not going to make a lot of predictions about what he can and can't do. ...we're very optimistic.
— Kate Hairopoulos (@khairopoulos) June 15, 2017
One way to get in hot water with the coaches is to kill drives with a rookie mistake. It’s okay, Dan Skipper, you have to learn and move on:
Cowboys undrafted rookie RG Dan Skipper had a penalty in team drills that negated about a 40-yard pass from Kellen Moore to Uzoma Nwachukwu.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) June 15, 2017
As good as the rookie are, there aren’t a lot of guys out there that are winning battles against 88:
Great throw by Dak. Great catch by Dez. Tight coverage by Chido. https://t.co/wUWoXyLoAJ
— Rob Phillips (@robphillips3) June 15, 2017
Dez Bryant pic.twitter.com/NSUPfMNv8A
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 15, 2017
It doesn’t get asked a lot but do the Cowboys have one of the league’s best punters or what?
How about some love for punters from today's practice, where Chris Jones taught Ryan Switzer abt NFL punting skill. pic.twitter.com/emp0CL3qik
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) June 15, 2017
Putting his past behind him, Tank Lawrence is becoming a role model in the locker room, he had some departing words for his teammates:
.@TankLawrence played big brother in #Cowboys locker room, telling assorted mates, 'Be safe over the break.' @1053thefan
— mike fisher ✭ (@fishsports) June 15, 2017
Dez looking as only he can look to quote the Nature Boy, Ric Flair:
Dez doing Dez things today pic.twitter.com/nWi5GTFttM
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 15, 2017
Isn’t this just a special moment between brothers? Now cause a fumble and get nasty!
Maybe my favorite moment of the entire offseason happened today, as Jaylon & Rod Smith got to square off in practice. pic.twitter.com/gsQeFWEthl
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) June 15, 2017
Rico Gathers was absent the last two days with pink eye but he was back for today’s practice:
Rico Gathers returned to practice after bout with pink eye. Wasn't happy when he missed a blocking assignment.
— Drew Davison (@drewdavison) June 15, 2017
Also, TE Rico Gathers was upset after running pass route instead of protecting. Threw his helmet down twice on sideline. TEs coach not happy
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) June 15, 2017
It looks like the Cowboys have switched it up as the competition for the starting left guard is wide open:
Cowboys' first-team offensive line: LT-Tyron Smith, LG-Chaz Green, C-Travis Frederick, RG-Zack Martin, RT-La'el Collins
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 15, 2017
Not the athlete he once was but has looked better at this point than Green. Oxnard will tell the complete story. https://t.co/1ieD65DkbI
— Bryan Broaddus (@BryanBroaddus) June 15, 2017
Byron Jones was the standout performer of the day by a country mile:
Lotta people will talk abt Byron & Witten jawing. What was cooler was Byron being a one man show on 3 straight reps: pic.twitter.com/PQm8Xk0GIw
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) June 15, 2017
As fun as minicamp is, the real work will begin in about a month. Make sure you’re tuned into BTB for complete coverage.
The work has just begun. #EarnTheStar pic.twitter.com/p2lvXHTTpA
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) June 15, 2017