Pick 6: News & Notes from OTA practice

Playing the Slot

DaRon Bland has spent a majority of his career playing on the outside, but with the lack of depth at the cornerback position at this point in time, the Cowboys may be forced to bump him inside. That was the case during the media viewing period of Thursday's practice, where Bland spent a lot of time at nickel, with Kaiir Elam and Andrew Booth both taking first team reps at outside corner.

- Tommy Parrish

Shuffling the Line

Brian Schottenheimer mentioned in his Thursday press conference that the offensive line depth chart is not completely set in stone. This was shown during the team portion of Thursday's practice as Brock Hoffman mixed in at center for multiple snaps and Cooper Beebe rotated out to guard a couple times as well. It's hard to see this as more than preparing for the unknown or creating competition, but it will be something to keep an eye on later this Summer.

– Kyle Youmans

Revolving (DE)oor

As to be expected this time of year, the Cowboys are going to rotate lots of players at all positions, and defensive end is usually at the top of the list. That was evident in Thursday's practice as we saw many different players rotating with the first-team defense, suggesting there will likely be a strong rotation even during the season – and even when Micah Parsons is back with the group. Parsons was not practicing yet again during the voluntary OTAs but that just gave more opportunities for the rest of starting-caliber players a chance to rotate. Those four guys included Dante Fowler Jr., Payton Turner, Donovan Ezeiruaku and Marshawn Kneeland.

- Nick Eatman

Earning Some Miles?

While it continued to be Javonte Williams taking first team reps at running back this week, Miles Sanders took advantage of his later reps. Sanders reeled in each of his targets in the team periods, both from Dak Prescott, and was explosive with the ball in his hands. While it can be difficult to see true separation from running backs this early in the offseason, Sanders is certainly showing that he has something left in the tank.

– Kyle Youmans

Guarding the Culture

There has been plenty of discussion about the new culture head coach Brian Schottenheimer is trying to establish this year.

Tyler Smith, one of two resident leaders of an offensive now without a recently retired Zack Martin, spoke from OTAs about what culture means to him going forward.

"I think it's huge for the success of this football team," said the All-Pro. "Establishing the culture early and getting everybody onboard is ultimately our goal. Schotty talks about it every day, but we're gonna compete everyday. Sometimes he has to pull back on us [in practice] but I'd rather him pull back on us than us not go hard. … The ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl."

- Patrik Walker

Moving Up?

There was heavy rotation all across the defensive line on Thursday, but something that was new from last week was rookie seventh-round pick Jay Toia taking some first team reps. That's not to say he's earned a crack at the rotation or will get early playing time, but with the lack of depth at nose tackle, Toia could be counted upon early in his career, making those valuable reps.

- Tommy Yarrish