Dallas Cowboys Training Camp: Week 2 Stock Report
Through the second week of the Dallas Cowboys' training camp, the roster is starting to slowly take shape.
Now, there is still a long way to go in the construction of the 2015 roster, especially since they haven't played any preseason games yet, but you are beginning to get an idea of who may be playing their way on and off the roster.
This is the time when players tend to be a little bit restless after going to battle with their teammates every day. However, it is paramount they stay focused on the task at hand and try to get a little bit better in each meeting and practice.
The Cowboys are a very talented team, which has led to a lot of fantastic competition throughout the first two weeks.
Some players have stood out and others need to step up. Without further ado, let's take a look at which players fall into which category.
Stock Up: Davon Coleman
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Last year, Davon Coleman turned a lot of heads during training camp on his way to making the opening day 53-man roster. Fast forward a year and you'll see much of the same as Coleman has been impressive since the Cowboys arrived in Oxnard.
DallasCowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus was impressed by Coleman's work in the goal-line period, "The bright spot along the defensive line was the play of Davon Coleman." Broaddus said, "In a defensive line that is thought to play up the field and attack, Coleman was able to do just that."
Coleman will have to work on not falling into the same trap he fell into last year, as his play seemed to fade as the year went on.
Coleman has the versatility to play as the under or nose tackle in the Cowboys defense, which makes him a versatile chess piece the coaching staff could utilize during the season. Coleman has shown an ability to play strong at the point of attack this year, along with his ability to penetrate and get into the backfield.
If Coleman can keep it up, he could find a way to be a major factor in the Cowboys' defensive line rotation this season.
Stock Down: Darren McFadden
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"You can't make the club from the tub" is a popular quote used by coaches to illustrate just how important it is for a player to get on the field and showcase his skills. While Darren McFadden isn't likely be cut, his stock can only be falling after he has missed the first two weeks of training camp.
McFadden is missing a golden opportunity to pass Joseph Randle on the depth chart. Instead, Randle has only further separated himself from McFadden as he tries to cement himself as the Cowboys' starting running back.
The one aspect McFadden would have had going for him is that he excels where Randle struggles the most, pass protection. McFadden has showcased he can identify blitzes and make sound blocks in the backfield. On a team with an aging quarterback, that is an extremely valuable trait to have.
While McFadden has not been eliminated from the starting running back competition, it certainly doesn't help that he hasn't been able to see the field. McFadden has been plagued with injuries throughout his career in the NFL, and the fact he is dealing with another injury already can't be too encouraging.
Stock Up: Randy Gregory
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Randy Gregory figures to be a prominent figure on the Cowboys' defensive line this season. In college, he showcased the skills necessary to be a potential top-10 pick; however, a failed drug test dropped him all the way down to pick No. 60 and into the Cowboys' laps.
Gregory was known for his ability to dominate opposing offensive tackles with a variety of pass-rush moves and nuanced technique. He could win with speed, power or beautiful hand technique. His skill set was oozing with potential, but nobody really knew how he would react to going up against NFL-caliber offensive tackles.
Luckily for the Cowboys, Gregory seems to be adjusting to the NFL just fine. Dallascowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus has been impressed with Gregory's ability to battle Tyron Smith every day.
While many rookie pass-rushers can only win in one or two ways. Gregory has been able to beat the Cowboys' tackles with heavy hands, speed around the edge, a nifty spin move and a beautiful inside counter move.
If Gregory can continue to grow and prosper as a pass-rusher, the Cowboys will have one of the best pass rushes in the NFL. The future looks bright for the Cowboys, and Gregory is one of the big reasons why.
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Stock Down: Darrion Weems
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Coming into training camp, Darrion Weems had an opportunity to take control of the swing tackle position and become a valuable member of the Cowboys' offensive line; however, Weems has yet to impress thus far.
Dallascowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus is particularly troubled with Weems' ability to deal with power. "As much as I like Weems’ athletic ability and movement, I worry about his ability to just sit down and handle a rusher that can play with power." Broaddus said, "There are just too many snaps where he is struggling to get settled, and that is troubling."
Despite the fact Weems hasn't played well, it appears he will win the swing tackle position by default. Chaz Green is out with an injury, Laurence Gibson has looked like the seventh-round pick that he is and no other tackle on the roster has looked particularly good either.
Weems' play hasn't inspired confidence that he can handle the duties at right or left tackle if Tyron Smith or Doug Free get hurt this season. Jermey Parnell was able to fill in admirably in Free's absence last year, but it is hard to predict if Weems will be able to do the same if that scenario popped up this season.
The preseason will be huge for Weems, and it will likely determine whether the Cowboys look for help at tackle before the season begins.
Stock Up: Cole Beasley
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Cole Beasley has proven himself to be an integral part of the Cowboys offense thus far in his career. His ability to consistently get open on third down is truly mind-boggling when you see he is a short, undrafted wide receiver from Southern Methodist University.
Beasley has been able to use his fantastic route running and undeniable quickness to give opposing cornerbacks fits on Sundays.
What is scary is Beasley looks to be getting even better as he has been almost unstoppable during the early portion of training camp. ESPNDallas.com's Todd Archer stated:
"So far in training camp, the Cowboys' defense has not defended Beasley. He caught five passes on Wednesday in team and seven-on-seven drills, including three straight. He caught three on Tuesday, two on Monday. Tony Romo has thrown just one incompletion on a pass to Beasley since the players put on pads.
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The fact Beasley can do that despite lining up against quite possibly the best slot cornerback in the NFL, Orlando Scandrick, is truly remarkable. If Beasley can improve his role beyond just a third-down threat, it will open up another facet to the Cowboys offense.
Furthermore, if Beasley proves he can win consistently on the outside, it will give the Cowboys a ton of versatility in the way they use him and Dez Bryant, which can only mean good things for Dallas.
Beasley may not be the most imposing wide receiver, but he has proven he can be extremely lethal. Don't be surprised if Beasley puts up big numbers and emerges as the Cowboys' true No. 2 wide receiver opposite Bryant.
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