Top 10: Ranking Best Players From Camp So Far
With training camp now 10 days old, it's only fitting to pick out the Top 10 players so far at camp. The staff voted mostly offensive players, but there are some defensive standouts at the top.
(Tie) 10. Connor Williams – It's not always easy for an offensive lineman to stand out in camp without full-fledged tackling, but Williams is not just holding his own but winning a lot of 1-on-1 battles. Let's not forget he's switching positions from tackle in college to guard in the NFL.
9. Dak Prescott – Probably a little lower than you'd like to see the star quarterback but it hasn't always been pretty for the offense. Still, Dak has showed up, especially later in this camp with some nice throws and is showing an even better command for the huddle and the offense.
8. Tavon Austin – He's pretty fast. That's not anything we didn't already know but so far in camp, Austin has been able to put that speed on display. And if there was any doubt if he's a receiver or running back, that should be settled. He's running way more routes down the field than any handoffs he's getting.
7. Cole Beasley – Here's a guy who is viewed differently across the board. He didn't make one list but was No. 1 on a couple of others. Beasley comes in at seventh and has been the most consistent receiver on this team. His rapport with Dak is noticeable and he's by far the crispest route-runner of the bunch.
6. Ezekiel Elliott – While he might just be the best overall player on this team, his physical running nature isn't something that is portrayed much in these practices. Still, he's been quick enough with his runs and effective as a pass-catcher to be impressive even before the live action begins.
5. Chidobe Awuzie – Like Beasley, he was all over the map with his picks, even getting a No. 1 pick. Especially this last week, Chido has been a borderline-blanket in coverage, locking up just about every receiver that comes his way.
4. Zack Martin – There aren't many lists where the fourth spot is probably too low but that's the case with Martin. He really hasn't been beaten at all in any of the drills. He's as solid with his assignments as ever and is showing no signs that his brand-new contract will change anything other than his bottom line.
3. Tyron Smith – Had it not been for a couple of battles this week against Lawrence, Tyron Smith was looking like a complete dominant beast. Still, he's been rather unstoppable in his drills and if he can just stay healthy, the Cowboys should have absolutely no worries at left tackle once again.
2. DeMarcus Lawrence – The Cowboys' leading pass-rusher looks even better this season so far. He's not just winning off the edge, but he's leading by example and not afraid to mix it up. D-Law went down the line earlier this week in a drill to face every single starter on this line, and was a winner most of the time.
1. Byron Jones – We all wondered how the move from safety to corner would work for Jones and so far, he's passed with flyng colors. Yes, it's early and yes, Jones was really good in camp last year at safety. But he is looking like the exact prototype Kris Richard had hoped for in having a big, long corner with great speed and length to swat the ball away.
(Tie) 10. Michael Gallup – The list starts off with a tie for the last spot. Gallup has been rather consistent from the moment he got here. There might have been one day where he had some issues with drops, but bounced back the next day with several great moments. He's not super flashy but just solid in every facet of his game.
