Top 10: Ranking The Best Newcomers From Camp
With training camp nearly over, let's focus on the Top 10 new players on the Cowboys' roster. These 10 weren't around last year, but they've wasted no time making a difference.
9. Cameron Fleming – While he's a player the Cowboys hopes never plays much, there is more confidence with this depth at offensive tackle because of Fleming. And he's practiced a ton here in camp with Tyron Smith getting a few days off.
8. Leighton Vander Esch – Maybe a little lower than you'd like to see the first-round pick, but Vander Esch has started to come on here in the last few days of camp. He's still figuring out where to go, but when he gets there, he makes a difference.
7. Antwaun Woods – This guy is probably the biggest surprise of camp. He's taken advantage of the extra reps available with David Irving out. Woods isn't afraid to mix it up with Travis Frederick and he's giving him plenty of issues, more than we've ever seen anyone give to the Pro Bowl center.
6. Allen Hurns – Nothing too flashy, but very solid. Hurns is a player who makes the catch when it's there, he runs great routes and has sneaky speed. The Cowboys will have a different set of receivers this year but Hurns has showed he can be exactly what Dak Prescott needs.
5. Connor Williams – Sometimes you forget he's a rookie switching positions from tackle to guard. Most of the time, Williams fits right into the O-line that is flooded with Pro Bowls. Williams plays with a mean streak that will help him along as he continues to develop his craft.
4. Dorance Armstrong – There weren't a lot of expectations here but it's safe to say Armstrong has exceeded them in a major way. What has stood out the most about this rookie is his ability to bend off the edge and his power with his hands. There's a spot for him to be active on game days.
3. Joe Thomas – Another pleasant surprise who has taken full advantage of the Cowboys' plan to rest Sean Lee. Thomas is showing that there might not be a big drop-off if Thomas is forced into added playing time. He's a physical hitter who finds the ball.
2. Michael Gallup – He doesn't look like a rookie at all. The third-round pick is a smooth route-runner with good hands. There was one rough day for him, but he's bounced back in a major way, and did even better in the game.
1. Tavon Austin – There was a thought he might be a gadget-type player, and maybe that's exactly what he'll be. But right now, Austin looks like a good gadget for this team, showing his ability to go down the field as a receiver. But we all know he's going to be dangerous going side to side. If he's both, that could be a great find for the offense.
10. Bo Scarbrough – He doesn't look like a seventh-round pick playing running back. He's got a middle linebacker's body but the way he ran in the first preseason game shows that Scarbrough has a legitimate chance to take this No. 3 tailback spot.
