5 takeaways from Dallas Cowboys OTAs/minicamp practices

This past week was a positive one for the Cowboys.

And on to training camp we go. With organized team activities (OTAs) and all minicamp practices in the books, the Dallas Cowboys won't meet up on the field again until they report to Oxnard, California for training camp in the latter part of July.

Thus far everything we've heard coming out of practices is encouraging, from the new coaching staff to the roster they've managed to put together. The only negative seems to be Micah Parsons' ongoing contract negotiations, which will hopefully come to an end sometime soon.

Today, we’re sharing some of the takeaways from OTAs and minicamp for the Cowboys.

Brian Schottenheimer's culture creating renewed energy

One thing we continuously keep hearing throughout OTAs and minicamp is the energy level is at an all-time high due to the culture Brian Schottenheimer has created in Dallas. Whether it's the friendly competition inside the locker room playing a game of ping-pong or on the practice field, players are buying into this culture and basking in the positivity. We can only hope this renewed energy continues moving forward.

Micah Parsons shows up amidst contract negotiations

Frustration could possibly be mounting for Micah Parsons with his contract negotiations still ongoing seeing as it has the potential to turn into something ugly, but to his credit he showed up to Dallas' mandatory minicamp in spite of it all. The situation will continue to be one of the top storylines until it isn't. Hopefully this all gets resolved sooner or later, but Parsons showing up is at the very least a good sign he's taking his leadership role seriously.

George Pickens, Kaiir Elam fitting in nicely

If MVP awards were handed out in OTAs and minicamp, George Pickens would receive the nomination on the offensive side of the ball and Kaiir Elam for the defense. It doesn't matter these two are the new kids on the block after arriving via trade, both of them have been the talk of offseason practices thus far and both look like they could be impact players for the Cowboys in 2025. Hopefully they can continue to build on this and carry it into the season.

RBs will be more involved in the passing game

If OTAs and minicamp is any indication, Brian Schottenheimer's offense will have the running backs much more involved in the passing game than they have in years past under Mike McCarthy. It still remains to be seen how the RB rotation will work out for the Cowboys this season, but their receiving ability should make the passing game much more diverse and has the potential to give opposing defenses nightmares.

Brevyn Spann-Ford gets look with starters

It may be nothing, but after an impressive offseason and OTAs, second-year TE Brevyn Spann-Ford received some reps with the starters in minicamp before ultimately rotating with the second- and third-team offense. Word is he looks bigger and stronger. Getting work with the starters indicates he could play an expanded role in 2025 after playing in all 17 games last year as a rookie. This could be important with Jake Ferguson entering a contract year.