The Dallas Cowboys have been hard at work this week during the team’s mandatory minicamp. Obviously the football at this point in the calendar is extremely light, but the session provides a valuable opportunity for veterans and rookies (or newbies in general) to mingle as one overall unit.
Mike McCarthy has spoken many times about the importance of minicamp as team chemistry is clearly an important thing throughout a locker room. June days may feel inconsequential, but there is certainly value to be found in them.
This idea rings particularly true at the moment along the offensive line where the Cowboys have a ton of new blood. Tyler Guyton was the team’s first-round selection and is expected to man the left tackle position. Cooper Beebe was taken in the third round and projects to hold things down at center. Nathan Thomas, taken in the seventh, will hopefully become important depth at a spot where you can never have enough.
Veterans Tyler Smith and Zack Martin (who both turned in stellar rookie seasons with the Cowboys) spoke about their new teammates and heaped praise on them.
“As far as the o-line room goes… I’ve been blown away. We went out and got great athletes, great football players in Coop, Tyler and Nathan. And they’re just extremely athletic guys. Guys who have a lot of upside. Guys who are learning fast. Who really have come in pretty polished already. We’re just working in on learning the offensive and cleaning up technique things. But extremely impressed so far.”
“These guys have done a really nice job... They’ve been on top of it in the meeting room and out on the field asking great questions. These guys can play. Tyler can move. Nate and Coop are big, strong guys. Physical guys inside. These guys are going to help us for sure.”
Most of what Smith and Martin are saying falls into “what do you expect them to say” territory. Nobody is going to show up and trash their new teammates. But these are words that are encouraging to hear nonetheless. The Cowboys have bet big on Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe hitting, so early in their careers any idea that they are on track to do so is welcome.
