NewsBot
New Member
- Messages
- 111,281
- Reaction score
- 2,947
With week two almost in the books, what campers have quietly risen in the discussion to make the Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster?
So far, we've heard about a lot of names we are familiar with. We've heard that Cole Beasley has delivered daily, Dez Bryant is unstoppable and that Tyron Smith's new nickname should be "Stonewall." How about a few guys that have quietly been putting together a pretty solid camp? Well, there certainly are some guys that have been performing well that could end up showing out in a preseason game before too long.
4. RB Gus Johnson
Lost in the discussion behind Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar, Johnson has put together a string of good practices this week that should give the coaches every confidence in increasing his reps. He's a finisher and it has shown out as of late. He was at his best on Saturday when in the red zone drill. Johnson showed good burst and power, and the ability to lower his pads correctly and get across the goal line. He's got the ability to break tackles and has a good lower body build for the position. If the Cowboys are looking for a red zone back to add to their arsenal, Johnson could be their guy. He had a history of production in college but wasn't considered anywhere close to a draftable running back. Maybe that's exactly whats making him tick, because this early into camp, Johnson has looked like a viable option. He even flat-out trucked J.J. Wilcox in the goal-line drills.
3. CB Tyler Patmon
Not as surprising here because it's been greatly publicized that he's a feisty guy and his scuffle with Dez Bryant probably got way more playing time on the various outlets than it deserved. What should be talked about is the fact that while all other defensive backs have had some struggles early, Patmon has had as good a camp as any on the roster. His natural ball skills and ability to remain tight with the receiver could have Patmon knocking on the door for the fourth corner spot or perhaps better. What you have to like about his style is that it's reminiscent of Orlando Scandrick in where he gives little room to the receiver but has the awareness to make a play on the ball. He's got some speed to him as was seen in his debut pick-six off Carson Palmer last season. He's proof that it doesn't matter how small you are if you can compete and fight on every single down.
2. DE Jack Crawford
America's favorite Brit had by far his best practice this past Saturday. He's got some versatility, something which defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli practically demands. Lately, Crawford has been turning a few heads as he seems to be stronger and more shifty than before. His penetration from the middle has always been a strength but he's having a good camp on the outside as well. He was almost unstoppable on Saturday, making it through the line no matter where or how he lined up. However his bull rush skills are something to marvel. Crawford looks to be a big part of the rotation in Dallas for 2015. The importance of the rotation at defensive end is very high in this scheme and Crawford looks to build on last season. He's got great size and length to do so and could be vying for a meaningful spot in the defensive line rotation. It appears Crawford has been taking to the teachings of Leon Lett and Charles Haley as his pass rush arsenal seems much fuller than we saw last season.
1. LB Damien Wilson
Like music to the ears for my pet cat. Wilson has been showing up just as Anthony Hitchens did last training camp and season. Wilson is a quick linebacker with the awareness and instincts to sniff out plays with ease at times. He's been someone that just keeps showing up and when Darren Woodson is asking about you, that's definitely a good thing. With all the questions abound at linebacker due to some nicked up players and Rolando McClain's suspension, Wilson may be able to disguise the blow a little for this team. Matt Eberflus is such a great coach and players really take to him. So far, Wilson has been better than veterans like Jasper Brinkley. He's a run-and-hit type linebacker but has shown to be an incredibly quick learner and has a real knowledge for how the Cowboys like to play the game. Expect to see him often in preseason and hopefully he can continue to make an impact.
Continue reading...