Dallas Cowboys Training Camp: 5 Early Storylines to Watch

The wait is almost over. With the Dallas Cowboys' training camp right around the corner, fans and the media will finally get to talk about what is happening on the football field. 

The Cowboys are riding high into training camp as they have had possibly the best offseason in the NFL. Dez Bryant's extension, the Greg Hardy signing, Hardy's reduced suspension, their draft class and the signing of La'el Collins have given the Cowboys quite a bit of momentum entering training camp. 

Unlike last year, the Cowboys have a bunch of reasons to be optimistic about their Super Bowl chances this season. They are coming off a playoff berth, they have strengthened their biggest weaknesses and they haven't sustained a significant injury up to this point. 

If you look at the Cowboys roster right now, you have to think that they have at least a solid chance of representing the NFC in this year's Super Bowl. 

What comes with that optimism and high expectations is a ton of media attention. Luckily for the Cowboys, media attention is not a foreign feeling as they are always in the news whether they are good or bad. 

With that in mind, let's take a look at five of the story lines that might catch people's attention this year at the Cowboys' training camp. 

Running Back

Tim Sharp/Associated Press

When the Cowboys open up training camp, all eyes will be on the running back position. With DeMarco Murray's departure, the Cowboys have a ton of production to replace in the backfield. 

Running back is one of the few positions on the Cowboys roster where there isn't a clear favorite to win the starting job. There are three running backs with a chance to win it and another who figures to make the team because of the niche he fills on offense. 

Darren McFadden is the veteran and most well-rounded player out of the group. Joseph Randle has the most experience in this offense, and he fits the scheme well. Ryan Williams is the most talented player of the group, and Lance Dunbar is a vital weapon to the Cowboys' offense. 

It will be interesting to see how the Cowboys handle the rotation of these running backs and how the carries are divided up with the first-team offense. 

Also, don't rule out the possibility of the Cowboys trading for a veteran running back on another team during some point of training camp. A player like the Miami Dolphins' Lamar Miller could be a name to keep an eye on as the regular season nears. 

Whether they trade for a player or not, the running back position will be the most interesting position to watch throughout training camp. 

Byron Jones

LM Otero/Associated Press

Every year there is a ton of attention placed on a team's first-round pick from that year's NFL draft at training camp. For the Cowboys, Byron Jones is the player who will receive a large portion of the limelight when they head over to Oxnard, California, for training camp. 

Luckily for the Cowboys, Jones appears to be the type of player who will thrive and get better with the added attention. 

Jones is an extremely intelligent player who is always working to perfect his craft. He understands the little details that separate the good cornerbacks from the great ones, and he will work tirelessly until he masters them. Furthermore, Jones is one of the most athletic players in the NFL, and he plays with great technique as well. 

As is the case with any rookie, Jones will have a steep learning curve that he has to overcome, but he should be able to get up to speed rather quickly. 

Jones will have the opportunity to go up against the best receiver in the NFL, Dez Bryant, on a daily basis, which should prepare him well for what he will see on Sundays. 

Furthermore, it will be interesting to see where the Cowboys play him the majority of the time, because he has the versatility to excel at cornerback or safety. 

Whatever is the case, it will be fun to see if the Cowboys' first-round pick can hang with the big boys in the NFL. 

Greg Hardy vs. Tyron Smith

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Anytime a team is in training camp, it is exciting to watch the matchups that you won't see on Sundays. This year for the Cowboys, the preeminent matchup that will take place at training camp will be when Greg Hardy lines up opposite of Tyron Smith. 

Both of these players are among the best at their positions, and their battles will be epic. 

Tyron Smith is an athletic left tackle whose brute strength and quick feet allow him to wall off and dominate opposing players at the point of attack. The scary part about Smith is that even though he is one of the best left tackles in the NFL, he can still improve a lot technically. 

Greg Hardy is a potent pass-rusher who can do so with speed or power. Hardy excels with his hand usage and he has some of the best bend in the NFL. He can topple over a tackle with a bull rush or blow by one with a swift swim move. 

It is extremely unlikely that one will consistently get the better of the other. Instead, expect that each player will have their days. 

The important thing is that Hardy and Smith will make each other better and help each other get prepared for the NFL season. 

The Development of Dustin Vaughan

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Another aspect of training camp that will need monitoring is the development of some of the young players. The player who really needs to make some improvements this year is quarterback Dustin Vaughan. 

Tony Romo isn't getting any younger, and the Cowboys need to start figuring out who his replacement will be. Vaughan showed some intriguing flashes as a rookie, but he will need to show that he can be a competent quarterback if the Cowboys are going to spend any more time developing him. 

Furthermore, Vaughan has a chance to compete for the backup quarterback position with Brandon Weeden. If Vaughan shows that he can be an effective backup, it would make sense that he get the nod over Weeden. He is younger and cheaper, plus the Cowboys need to see what they have in him. 

Vaughan has a huge arm, and he can make any throw on the football field. However, he needs to improve the way that he deals with pressure and his decision-making. 

Vaughan will likely get a ton of reps during training camp; it will be vitally important that he takes advantage of every single one. 

Sean Lee

LM Otero/Associated Press

At this time last year, Sean Lee was recovering from a torn ACL, and the outlook of the Cowboys defense looked bleak. Fast forward a year and Lee is back and there is a ton of optimism about what the Cowboys can do with their defense this year. 

Lee is an integral part of the Cowboys defense, and he should help improve the defense after a year in which they over-achieved for the majority of it. 

Lee is the unquestioned leader of the defense and one of the best linebackers in the NFL. He has fantastic instincts, and he is always around the ball. He excels against the run and the pass, and he takes a ton of pressure off the secondary with all the plays he makes. 

When Lee takes the field, all eyes will be on his surgically repaired knee and whether it has taken away from any of Lee's quickness and explosiveness. 

If it has, Lee will have to rely on his intelligence and instincts even more to help the defense. If not, the Cowboys will have one of the best linebackers in the NFL leading their defense.