Cowboys Rumors: Latest Buzz, Players to Watch at Mandatory Minicamp

The Dallas Cowboys continue to build toward the 2023 season with their offseason program. They had another round of organized team activities (OTAs) on Thursday and Friday, and mandatory minicamp kicks off Tuesday.

Jobs won't be won or lost at this point in the offseason, of course, but early workouts will provide glimpses of what to expect during training camp. They should also provide an in-depth look at the eight prospects the Cowboys selected in the NFL draft.

We might also get a look at how the offense is shaping up after the departures of coordinator Kellen Moore, running back Ezekiel Elliott and tight end Dalton Schultz.

There should be no shortage of storylines to follow in the coming days. Let's dive into some of the latest rumors and reports.

Jalen Tolbert 'Making Waves' This Offseason

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Jalen Tolbert

The Cowboys offense will feature a new third receiver in Brandin Cooks, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Houston Texans. He, Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb should form Dak Prescott's new receiver trio in 2023.

The arrival of Cooks could hinder the trajectory of 2022 third-round pick Jalen Tolbert, who rarely saw the field as a rookie and probably isn't destined for a starting job. However, he could still make an impact this season, and he'll be worth tracking in the coming days.

According to Patrik Walker of the team's official website, the 24-year-old has generated some buzz during early offseason workouts.

"Jalen Tolbert is already making some waves in the war for WR4, and that's a good sign that he's mentally ready to challenge who appears to be the frontrunner at the moment: Simi Fehoko," Walker wrote.

The competition for the fourth receiver spot could be an important one in camp. With Schultz no longer around to serve as Prescott's security blanket, the Cowboys may rely on four-receiver sets more than they did last season.

According to Sports Info Solutions, Dallas had at least one running back and one tight end on the field for 92 percent of its offensive snaps in 2022.

Dallas Still on the Hunt for a Kicker

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Tristan Vizcaino

Tristan Vizcaino is definitely one player fans should be watching during offseason workouts and drills. The Cowboys signed the journeyman kicker in January, and he's the only one currently on the roster.

Dallas released Brett Maher after he missed five extra points and a field goal in two playoff games.

Vizcaino appeared in three games last season for the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots, though he only handled kickoffs for the latter. He has made 91.7 percent of his field-goal attempts but missed five of his 20 point-after tries.

Dallas will bring in competition at some point.

"We're looking at the other leagues. We're looking at guys that are out on the streets, guys that potentially come in a trade," vice president of player personnel Will McClay said, per the team's official website. "It's a big mix of all that stuff and when the time is that we find the right kicker to add to the competition."

Vizcaino's performance in minicamp could help determine just how aggressive Dallas becomes in its search for a kicker. If he struggles, the 26-year-old might not even make it to training camp, and the Cowboys could begin making calls to veteran free agents such as Mason Crosby, Ryan Succop and Randy Bullock.

Ezekiel Elliott Could Still Be Back

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Ezekiel Elliott

Undrafted 2022 free agent Malik Davis and rookie sixth-round pick Deuce Vaughn will also be worth following during minicamp. They'll be the top two running backs as Tony Pollard continues to recover from leg surgery.

Pollard appears to be recovering well, but he's unlikely to see the field until training camp.

"I would say I'm not really limited at this point," the 26-year-old said, per ESPN's Todd Archer. "It's just being smart with it."

Davis and Vaughn are expected to complement Pollard and help fill the void created by Elliott's departure. However, that doesn't mean the door is shut on a possible Elliott return.

"Perhaps a return to Dallas, in the long run, can be where this is headed," NFL Media's Mike Garafolo said on NFL Network (h/t Drake Toll of FanNation). "...Dallas still believes that he's got football left."

The Cowboys released the 27-year-old in a cap-saving move, not because he can no longer contribute—he did have 12 rushing touchdowns last season. If they truly believe he can still play at a high level, bringing him back on a lesser salary would make sense.

A lot could hinge on how Davis and Vaughn perform in offseason workouts. Dallas can only learn so much about its backfield capabilities in shells and shorts, but the prospect of re-signing Elliott will loom large if either back struggles with the basics.