DC: Gut Feeling: Most Pressing Issue At OTAs?

[jobberone]

Gut Feeling: Most Pressing Issue At OTAs? DallasCowboys.com Debates
Tuesday, May 22, 2018 4:23 PM CDT

FRISCO, Texas – Football’s back. Almost, anyway.

The Cowboys began organized team activities Tuesday at The Star in Frisco, and Wednesday’s voluntary workout is the media’s first look at the veterans and rookies together on the field.

With plenty of change on the roster and Jason Garrett’s coaching staff, the DallasCowboys.com staff (Bryan Broaddus, David Helman, Lindsay Draper, Nick Eatman, Rob Phillips and Mickey Spagnola) discusses who and what they’ll be watching most as OTAs get underway.

Bryan Broaddus:
This will be our first chance to see the veteran and rookie players together for the upcoming 2018 season. Something to think about that I said on Talkin’ Cowboys this morning. I thought we had the potential of four rookies lining up as starters this season. Connor Williams at left guard, Leighton Vander Esch at middle linebacker, Dalton Schultz at tight end and Michael Gallup at wide receiver all make sense. Williams is a no-brainer due to his talent level and the need at guard. Vander Esch wasn’t drafted to sit on the bench, so they’ll find a spot for him. Schultz is a complete tight end and should provide a boost to the position from the jump. If the learning curve isn’t too steep for Gallup, he’ll be pushing for Terrance Williams’ spot. OTAs are only the start, but it also gives you a clue to what the front office and coaching staff are likely thinking.

David Helman:
There’s only one thing I’m wondering heading into these practices, and that’s – to paraphrase Aubrey Graham – whether or not we get hit with the Rico. That was a bad joke, but a good point. For nine months, Rico Gathers has been seen and not heard, as far as tight end is concerned, at least. With Jason Witten heading into retirement, Gathers is the biggest variable on this depth chart. He showcased what his athleticism can bring to the table last preseason, but he’s also the least-polished tight end on this team. This could be a big opportunity for him to prove he’s worth a look higher up on the depth chart. Obviously, these aren’t full contact practices, but it’s a chance to do some serious work on the mental side of the game. This will be the first time we’ve seen Rico on the field since August, and I’m curious to see just what we should expect from him in this new-look offense.

***SNIP***

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2...-pressing-issue-otas-dallascowboyscom-debates

 

[jobberone]

Would like to see more on the OTAs.

 

[Floatyworm]

Calling it now...we don't have enough CBs. Byron Jones isn't a CB.

 

[Stash]

I agree with Broaddus. I'm eager to see how the rookies factor in as potential starters.

But I also agree with Eatman in that I'd like to see what Tacon Austin might bring in terms of possible offensive explosiveness.

 

[big dog cowboy]

With all the rookies, UDFA's, 2nd year guys, FA's.......geez there is something to watch all over the field.

Training camp is going to be awesome this year.

 

[jobberone]

The WR, DE, and DB group competition will be fierce.

 

[Killerinstinct]

I think the team is built to be a ground and pound/ball control offense looking to control the time of possession and on the defensive side of the ball we are looking to rotate the best pass rushing specialists we have had in a long time combined with a young secondary and possibly the best linebacking corp we have ever had if we can have a little luck in the health department.

I think the passing game will rely on quick passes and R.A.C. There will be occasions where the ball will need to be thrown deep. It will be interesting to see if one of the WR's steps up as a deep threat. The opportunity will be there since opposing defenses will be stacking the box.

 

[DHCBF66]

Calling it now...we don't have enough CBs. Byron Jones isn't a CB.

Jones was a corner in college and played well when he did play corner for us before he was moved to safety!

 

[Tangle_Foot]

Lots of questions, lots of interesting battles, what effect will the new coaches have? It's going to be must see

This training camp will get a four box rating