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Cowboy Roundup: 3 underrated players in training camp, RB competition heats up

Underrated Dallas Cowboys Players Shine as Training Camp Running Back Battle Intensifies

In the sweltering heat of Oxnard, California, where the Dallas Cowboys have set up their annual training camp, a narrative of underdogs and fierce competitions is unfolding. As the team gears up for what promises to be another high-stakes season in the NFC East, several underrated players are turning heads with their performances. At the same time, the running back room, once dominated by familiar faces, is heating up into a full-blown battle for carries and roster spots. This isn't just about star power; it's about the grinders, the overlooked talents who could very well shape the Cowboys' fortunes in 2024. Let's dive deep into the stories emerging from camp, highlighting those unsung heroes and the evolving dynamics at running back.

First and foremost, the spotlight has unexpectedly fallen on a cadre of players who entered camp with modest expectations but are now forcing coaches and fans alike to take notice. Take, for instance, the wide receiver group. Jalen Tolbert, a third-year player drafted in the third round out of South Alabama, has long been pegged as a developmental prospect. Burdened by the shadow of CeeDee Lamb's contract holdout early in camp (though Lamb has since reported), Tolbert has seized the opportunity to showcase his growth. Reports from practices indicate he's been consistently getting open, displaying crisp route-running and reliable hands. His chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott has been particularly noteworthy, with several deep connections that hint at a potential breakout season. Tolbert's speed and ability to stretch the field could complement the Cowboys' passing attack, especially if Lamb's situation lingers or if injuries arise. It's a classic case of an underrated player stepping up when the team needs it most, reminding us that depth in the receiver room is crucial for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Shifting to the defensive side, where the Cowboys have built their identity under coordinator Dan Quinn (now departed to Washington, with Mike Zimmer taking the reins), another underrated gem is emerging in the secondary. Cornerback DaRon Bland, who burst onto the scene last year with a league-leading nine interceptions, including five returned for touchdowns, might not be "underrated" in the traditional sense anymore. But his continued excellence in camp underscores how players like him can elevate a unit. More intriguingly, though, is the rise of Jourdan Lewis, the veteran slot corner who's often overshadowed by the likes of Trevon Diggs and the aforementioned Bland. Lewis, entering his eighth season, has been a model of consistency in drills, breaking up passes and providing leadership to younger defensive backs. His football IQ and tackling prowess in the nickel position make him an invaluable asset, especially in a division rife with shifty receivers like those on the Eagles and Giants. Lewis's understated contributions could be the glue that holds the secondary together, particularly as Zimmer implements a more aggressive scheme that demands versatility from its corners.

But perhaps the most compelling storyline from Cowboys camp revolves around the running back competition, which has intensified to levels not seen in recent years. With Tony Pollard's departure to the Tennessee Titans, the Cowboys brought back Ezekiel Elliott on a one-year deal, hoping to recapture some of the magic from his earlier Pro Bowl days. Elliott, at 29, is no longer the explosive force he once was, but his experience and pass-blocking skills make him a reliable option. However, camp has revealed that this isn't Elliott's backfield by default. Rico Dowdle, a fifth-year back who's battled injuries throughout his career, is pushing hard for the starting role. Dowdle's burst and vision have been on full display in scrimmages, where he's consistently broken off chunk runs and shown elusiveness in the open field. His ability to contribute in the passing game—catching screens and checkdowns—adds another layer to his case. Coaches have praised Dowdle's work ethic, noting how he's bulked up without losing speed, positioning him as a potential every-down back.

Adding fuel to this fiery competition is Deuce Vaughn, the diminutive yet dynamic second-year player out of Kansas State. Standing at just 5-foot-5, Vaughn has always been an underdog story, but his camp performances are proving he's more than a novelty. Vaughn's quickness and agility make him a nightmare for linebackers in space, and he's been effective in change-of-pace roles during team drills. One particular highlight was a practice where he juked multiple defenders on a swing pass, turning what should have been a short gain into a significant yardage play. The Cowboys' coaching staff, led by Mike McCarthy, sees Vaughn as a gadget player who could excel in specific packages, perhaps drawing comparisons to Darren Sproles in his prime. Yet, Vaughn's size raises durability concerns, which is why the competition remains wide open.

Not to be overlooked in this RB melee are Malik Davis and Hunter Luepke, both vying for depth roles. Davis, an undrafted free agent from Florida, has impressed with his north-south running style and ability to hit holes decisively. In padded practices, he's shown toughness between the tackles, which could earn him carries if the team opts for a committee approach. Luepke, meanwhile, brings a fullback's mentality with running back versatility. His blocking has been stellar, but he's also flashed receiving skills out of the backfield, making him a Swiss Army knife in McCarthy's offense. The intensity of this battle was evident in a recent intrasquad scrimmage, where all backs rotated extensively, and no clear hierarchy emerged. McCarthy himself commented on the depth, saying it's one of the strongest position groups in camp, which bodes well for a team that struggled with rushing efficiency last season.

This running back competition isn't happening in a vacuum; it's intertwined with the broader offensive strategy. With Prescott entering a contract year and the line featuring stalwarts like Zack Martin and Tyler Smith, the ground game must improve to alleviate pressure on the passing attack. Last year's playoff loss to the Packers highlighted deficiencies in run defense and offensive balance, issues that these underrated players could help address. Elliott's return provides familiarity, but the emergence of Dowdle and Vaughn suggests the Cowboys might lean toward a youth-infused rotation, keeping legs fresh for a deep postseason run.

Beyond the running backs, other underrated standouts deserve mention. On the offensive line, Brock Hoffman, a center/guard hybrid, has been rotating with starter Tyler Biadasz and holding his own. His quickness off the snap and ability to anchor against bull rushes make him a solid backup plan, especially with the injury history plaguing the line in recent years. Defensively, edge rusher Sam Williams is building on his sophomore campaign, generating pressure in pass-rush drills and showing improved run-stopping ability. Williams, often in the shadow of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, could form a formidable rotation that keeps the front seven fresh.

As camp progresses toward joint practices and preseason games, these stories will evolve. The underrated players like Tolbert, Lewis, and the RB contenders are not just filling roster spots; they're challenging the status quo and potentially redefining the team's identity. For the Cowboys, a franchise perpetually under the microscope, harnessing this under-the-radar talent could be the key to breaking through in a loaded NFC. Fans should keep an eye on these developments, as the battles in Oxnard often foretell the heroes of January.

In wrapping up this extensive look at Cowboys camp, it's clear that while stars like Prescott, Lamb, and Parsons grab headlines, the true depth of this team lies in its unsung contributors. The running back competition, in particular, embodies the spirit of training camp: raw, unfiltered competition where reputations are earned, not given. As the pads come off and the real games begin, these underrated players might just become the difference-makers Dallas needs to chase that elusive Super Bowl ring. With the season opener against the Giants looming, the excitement is palpable, and the narratives from camp suggest this Cowboys squad has the pieces to make noise. (Word count: 1,128)

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