Top 10: After Big Contract, Martin Gets Camp MVP
With the Oxnard-portion of training camp now in the books, let's check out the 10 best standouts, which just so happens to feature five from each side of the ball.
10) Michael Gallup – Aside from the early touchdown in the preseason opener, Gallup was smooth with his route-running all camp and was definitely an open target for Dak Prescott and the fellow quarterbacks.
9) Tyron Smith – Early in camp, Smith looked like the absolute dominating presence that we remember. He didn't drop off too much but was challenged more by some of the other ends, which should be a good sign for the defense. When healthy, Smith still looks like an elite player.
8) Joe Thomas – Someone had to take advantage of Sean Lee getting more rest this camp. It was Thomas, who isn't afraid to get to the ball in a hurry. He's an impact player who could help soften the blow if Lee or any other linebacker were to sustain an injury.
7) Chido Awuzie – Nothing flashy, but nothing consistently past him as well. Awuzie was healthy this year in camp, different from last year. He was also one of the better overall defensive players.
6) DeMarcus Lawrence – If there's going to be a drop-off for Lawrence after his career-best season in sacks, he didn't show the signs in camp. Not only was as explosive as ever off the edge, Lawrence even showed off an ability to rush from all defensive-line positions.
5) Byron Jones – New position? No glaring problems for Jones, who is one of the team's best athletes. He showed that early and often in camp and seems to be making the switch from safety to cornerback with few setbacks.
4) Tavon Austin – Earlier this week, Austin was voted by this staff as the best overall newcomer here in camp. Naturally, he's the highest new face on this list but fourth overall is still respectable. Austin was all over the place making plays both down the field and side to side.
3) Jaylon Smith – While there might be another second-round pick getting headlines for starting to look like his college-self, Smith was even more impressive than Randy Gregory this camp. The active linebacker was seemingly in the backfield nearly every other play and "swiping" his way to celebrate on numerous occasions.
2) Ezekiel Elliott – If training camp included tackling, Zeke would likely be even more impressive. So many times in camp, he would get into the open field and be "tackled" by an incoming defender. Zeke's strength and hard-nosed style isn't always appreciated in practice. But he looks ready to roll in 2018.
1) Zack Martin – He's No. 1 because he's the most consistent player on the team. Martin just doesn't lose many reps at all. In the 1-on-1 pass-rushing drills, not only does Martin lock up his defender, but usually in a way that isn't even competitive. It doesn't seem like the huge contract he signed in the offseason will affect his game moving forward.
