Predicting Cowboys' Breakout Players at 2023 OTAs, Minicamp
It's been an eventful offseason for the Dallas Cowboys, which lost tight end Dalton Schultz, released running back Ezekiel Elliott and traded for Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks.
While the Cowboys will likely bank on contributions from rookies such as Mazi Smith and Luke Schoonmaker, they could also get a big boost from returning players who are poised to take the next step.
A good example from last year is defensive lineman Dorance Armstrong, who followed up a five-sack season in 2021 with an 8.5-sack campaign. This sort of growth and player development is what can help a team like Dallas be better than it might appear on paper.
With this in mind, let's examine three returning veterans who could give the Cowboys a glimpse at potential breakthrough campaigns during offseason team activities (OTAs) and minicamps.
Edge Sam Williams
1 of 3
The Cowboys got huge contributions from 2022 first-round pick Tyler Smith, who started all 17 games as a rookie. But second-round pick Sam Williams only showed occasional flashes.
The former Mississippi linebacker appeared in 15 games but played only 27 percent of the defensive snaps during those contests.
Those flashes were impressive, though. Williams managed to record four sacks and 11 quarterback pressures as a part-time pass-rusher to go with 22 total tackles and three fumble recoveries. Entering Year 2, he should be ready to take on a bigger role in the pass-rushing rotation.
Dallas' top sack artists, Demarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons, are back, as are Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr., but the latter two are both scheduled to be free agents in 2024. The Cowboys will want to prepare for their potential departure by working Williams into the rotation more.
And with a full season under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn now on his resume, the 24-year-old should show during offseason workouts that he is very much deserving of that increased role.
Pass-rushers don't always get to shine during the summer since quarterbacks are off-limits, but Williams will find a way to stand out.
TE Jake Ferguson
2 of 3
Cowboys fans would probably love to see 2022 third-round pick and wide receiver Jalen Tolbert make this list. However, Cooks' arrival—and the presence of CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup—could prevent him from truly breaking out this season.
Schoonmaker's arrival may not have the same effect on 2022 fourth-round pick Jake Ferguson, though. While Schoonmaker has a lot of upside, he isn't a pro-ready prospect.
"Luke Schoonmaker is more an idea than a ready-made player," Derrik Klassen of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote.
Ferguson should step into the starter's role in the wake of Schultz's departure. He should also be able to build on the promise he showcased as the No. 2 tight end last season. He finished his rookie campaign with 19 catches, 174 yards and two touchdowns.
The 24-year-old has already been working on his craft in the early offseason.
"Whether it's in-between the lines, footwork or learning the little details of how I can beat other guys," the Wisconsin product said, per Patrik Walker of the team's official website.
Don't be surprised if Ferguson is one of the team's biggest standouts during summer workouts this year.
RB Malik Davis
3 of 3
Parting with Elliott leaves a big hole in Dallas' backfield, even with franchise-tagged running back Tony Pollard still on the roster. Elliott recorded 248 touches last season and rushed for 12 touchdowns.
Rookie sixth-round pick Deuce Vaughn will help fill the void, but the 5'5", 179-pound prospect isn't going to handle the load Elliott could.
Enter 2022 undrafted free agent Malik Davis. He didn't get a ton of opportunities as a rookie, but he took advantage of them when he did.
The Florida product didn't get his first touch until Week 8, but he finished with 161 rushing yards and a solid 4.3 yards-per-carry average. He also caught six passes and averaged 10.5 yards per reception. He showed in college that he's capable of handling a bigger workload.
Over his last two seasons with the Gators, Davis carried 158 times for 797 yards and caught 54 passes for 589 yards.
At 5'10" and 207 pounds and with explosive athleticism (39.5-inch vertical at Florida's pro day), the 24-year-old is better suited than Vaughn to handle some of the tough inside running that Elliott once did.
Davis will get plenty of opportunities to show what he can do as Pollard recovers from leg surgery. Expect him to find a home on multiple Cowboys offseason highlight reels in the coming weeks.
*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
