FRISCO, Texas – Football was back in Frisco Tuesday afternoon as rookies and veterans combined for the second OTA practice of the offseason and the first open to media. It is the closest look to the complete 2025 Dallas Cowboys roster yet and the first peek into some of the improvements and position battles that have been happening behind closed doors this offseason.
While plenty of eyes were on the new wide receiver combination of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, along with Dak Prescott's return from injury, there were a handful of other storylines that emerged from the second day of OTAs. Here are six storylines picked by the DallasCowboys.com staff after Tuesday's practice session:
The Cowboys held their second OTA practice of the offseason Tuesday offering the clearest look yet at the 2025 roster and sparking 6 key storylines featured in the debut of our new series, Pic 6.
Javonte running first
If there was an early front runner to take the starter carries at the start of the season, it would be Williams, that proved to be the early case as he was given the first carry of Tuesday's practice. However, Schottenheimer suppressed this in his Tuesday press conference that it's too early to make any concrete decisions on the running back share of touches and mentioning how tough it is to evaluate running backs without pads on. – Kyle Youmans
Booker takes over
No surprise here, but when the Cowboys started out on offense Tuesday, first-round pick Tyler Booker was right where everyone thought he'd be – lining up at right guard. Booker was drafted No. 12 overall and when that happens, it's usually because he's ready to take over as the starter. While time will tell if he can handle the responsibilities right away but the Cowboys are giving him every shot. The starting O-line – from left to right – was Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker and Terence Steele. – Nick Eatman
Kaiir Elam looks rejuvenated
After an up and down first three seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Kaiir Elam was clearly in need of a fresh start and got it when the Cowboys traded for him in the offseason. In Tuesday's media viewing of practices, Elam flashed glimpses of what made him a first round pick back in 2022 out of Florida. He was fluid in an out of his breaks and had several PBUs on the day, making things difficult for wide receivers with most of his reps coming on the first team with Trevon Diggs and Shavon Revel Jr. nursing injuries. - Tommy Yarrish
New No. 2
We're used to seeing a No. 2 in the secondary with the first-team defense, but there's a new player in the jersey right now. Juanyeh Thomas has taken over the number for the recently-departed Jourdan Lewis, who was the slot cornerback and is now in Jacksonville. Thomas was re-signed this offseason and was the first-team safety with the defense. Keep in mind that both Donovan Wilson and Markquese Bell were injured and not practicing but there is an expected bigger role for Thomas this year. – Nick Eatman
Shemar James flies around, comes up with INT
Rookie fifth-round pick Shemar James spent most of Tuesday's practice with the second unit of linebackers, but made the most of his snaps in coverage, flying around from sideline to sideline and capping off his performance with an interception off of Joe Milton. With DeMarvion Overshown still recovering from an injury, James has an opportunity to step into a bigger role in his first NFL season if he can continue to play well in practice. – Tommy Yarrish
Cropper continues practice dominance
By now, Cowboys fans have become accustomed to seeing Jalen Cropper stand out in offseason practice sessions and even training camp. He shined again on Tuesday, reeling in multiple targets from all three quarterbacks during the team and 7-on-7 reps of practice. Cropper mixed in-and-out of the lineup against cornerbacks like Israel Mukuamu and Luq Barcoo, piecing together a solid day of work. – Kyle Youmans
