RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sourcesOXNARD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 30: George Pickens #3 of the Dallas Cowboys runs after the catch during training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields on July 30, 2026 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Two practices into training camp is far too early to crown breakout stars just yet, but it’s enough time to identify who is setting the tone and raising eyebrows early. Through the opening two days in Oxnard, a handful of players have consistently flashed, while Brian Schottenheimer’s staff has already shown clear ideas about how they plan to use several key pieces.
Here are the three biggest winners so far.
1. George Pickens
No player has generated more buzz before and during camp than George Pickens. He has consistently beaten defenders at every level of the field and already appears to have rekindled a strong chemistry with Dak Prescott that was evident last year. Perhaps even more encouraging has been his energy and competitiveness, bringing an edge to every team period.
If these first two practices are any indication, Dallas continues to show they have a legitimate WR1B receiver capable of preventing defenses from focusing solely on WR1A CeeDee Lamb, and we all know what that looked like last year.
Dak to George Pickens pic.twitter.com/ODIdZG7JzF
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2026
2. Dak Prescott
The biggest takeaway has been Dak’s command of the offen se. There has been very little hesitation before the snap, getting the offense lined up quickly, making protection adjustments, and keeping the tempo high. Everyone has talked about the explosive start to camp for Pickens and Lamb, but someone is dealing out the passes.
Prescott also hasn’t been locked onto one receiver. While the Pickens connection has generated headlines, he’s consistently spread the ball around to Lamb, Ryan Flournoy, Jonathan Mingo, and the tight ends. He’s confidently working through progressions rather than forcing throws.
3. Caleb Downs
Despite only having two NFL practices under his belt, the first-round rookie has appeared remarkably comfortable.
Dallas has lined Downs up at deep safety, in the box, and in the slot, trusting him with multiple responsibilities against the starting offense. This alone demonstrates the coaching staff’s high regard for his football intelligence.
He backed up his impressive performance on Day 1 by recovering a forced fumble, and continued to impress on Day 2 with his communication, range, and versatility. The Cowboys drafted Downs with the belief that he could become the heart of their secondary. In just two practices, he has already demonstrated his ability to handle that responsibility. Just listen to Tyler Booker , who played a season with Downs at Alabama.
“Same guy. And that’s not to say that he hasn’t grown since I knew him as a freshman at Alabama,” Booker said. “It just shows you how much of a grown man he was at Alabama. Not many guys start during spring ball, let alone in that secondary coached by Coach Saban. So first and foremost see him out there starting at that secondary during spring ball, and then to see how he played and raised the level of play to everybody else on that side of the ball at Alabama, I just knew he was special. I was very upset losing him after Coach Saban retired, but I’m just very glad he’s my teammate again here in Dallas.”
Rashan Gary punch out and Caleb Downs recovery pic.twitter.com/Dwdo9n56km
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) July 29, 2026
Honorable mentions
Brian Schottenheimer deserves a mention here too. The pace, competitiveness, and overall energy around camp have been noticeably different, and his willingness to challenge players has been evident from the opening whistle.
Who is your top winner from camp so far?
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