Dallas City News

McCarthy ‘very impressed’ with rookies on Day 1 – Nick Eatman, DallasCowboys.com

Head coach Mike McCarthy like what he saw from the rookies during the first day of field work.

The crop of 20 rookies were joined by a handful of first-year veterans (players who spent last year only on the practice squad) and another rookie quarterback on a tryout basis.

All in all, it was definitely a start to the offseason practices, which will take place over the next month, including OTAs and one minicamp practice. After this weekend, the entire team is allowed to participate, but as for these first two days, it’s all about the rookies.

And according to head coach Mike McCarthy, he likes what he has seen so far – both on and off the field.

“They’ve made a huge first impression on everybody and I’ve talked to everybody,” McCarthy said in his press conference. “I’ve talked to the people that picked them up from the airport. I’ve talked to people who dropped them off at the hotel. They’re always getting evaluated. It’s important. There is so much out there on culture. Culture never stays the same. Their responsibility is to come in and help us advance our culture. They’ve made a huge impression today for Day 1. Hopefully they stay above standard tomorrow.”

Why the Cowboys think rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton has ‘tremendous upside’ – Jon Machota, The Athletic

Guyton comes to Dallas with the drive and skill set to be great.

Since the collective bargaining agreement prevents rookies from participating at the team facility before rookie minicamp, Guyton spent the last two weeks working across the street with offensive line expert Duke Manyweather and his O-Line Masterminds program. Several Cowboys players work with Manyweather during the offseason. He also trains offensive line prospects during the pre-draft process.

“His techniques are very similar to (Cowboys offensive line coach Mike Solari),” Guyton said. “He’s just a great coach all around. He has an extremely pro approach to what he does, he takes no bulls— and we have fun.”

Improving his footwork has been one of Guyton’s top goals. It’s been part of his workouts since NFL teams started telling him during the pre-draft process that they’d like him to move from right to left tackle. Guyton said that extra work has made the transition “extremely smooth.”

“It’s good to see him on the field,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said. “Obviously, his size, his athletic ability and he’s young, that’s exciting. He’s very passionate. He’s very enthusiastic about this opportunity. I really do like how young and raw he is. I think he has tremendous upside.”

Cooper Beebe confirmed to be playing center – Jess Haynie, Blogging The Boys

Despite his versatility, the Cowboys quickly gave Beebe his inaugural NFL assignment.

When the Cowboys made Cooper Beebe one of their third-round draft picks a few weeks ago, there was plenty of speculation that he might be transitioning to the center position. This has now been confirmed by Beebe himself, adding weight to the projections that he’ll be Dallas’ new starting center in 2024.

While Beebe played all over the rest of the offensive line in college, center is the one spot where he’s had little experience. But the front office expressed confidence in his versatility immediately after drafting him, and apparently the team will waste no time in asking Beebe to make the switch.

No, this doesn’t guarantee Beebe will be the starting center in Week 1. He still has to beat out Brock Hoffman, who’s been in the system for two years and started a couple of games last season. But if pre-draft scouting and pedigree mean anything, Beebe is seen to have a much higher ceiling and just needs to prove a certain degree of competence to bump Hoffman back to the bench.

Liufau ready to learn from Kendricks, talks versatility – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com

Liufau has the benefit of learning from Kendricks, a former All-Pro, to start his career.

He joins a group of linebackers that now includes the veteran leadership of Eric Kendricks, a former All-Pro who pivoted away from an agreement with the San Francisco 49ers to sign on with the Cowboys in free agency.

And Liufau is as anxious to begin picking Kendricks’ brain as the veteran is to mentor the group of young talent at the position.

“Definitely his knowledge,” said the rookie of what he’s looking to gain from playing alongside Kendricks. “He’s been in the game so long and played at such a high level that, as a young guy, you want to get as much knowledge from him as you can — to learn from him and to be under his wing.

“So I’m excited to meet all of the guys and really learn from everyone, and really learn what it means to be an NFL player, and how to be a successful linebacker in this league.”

Dallas Cowboys’ WR updates: CeeDee Lamb’s contract, Zay Jones lands in Arizona and more – Calvin Watkins, Dallas Morning News

Head coach Mike McCarthy has total confidence in the Cowboys wide receiver room.

FRISCO – Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy supported his current group of wide receivers on Friday, the same day free agent Zay Jones signed a one-year deal with Arizona.

Jones had visited Dallas, Kansas City and Arizona over the last week. Yet, playing with Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray was a bigger draw for him.

The Cowboys’ top two receivers are CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. However, Lamb hasn’t reported to offseason workouts as he seeks a contract extension.

Team officials are not worried about Lamb’s absence.

A need for quarterback Dak Prescott to build chemistry with the other receivers such as Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Brooks, Jalen Cropper, David Durden and Ryan Flournoy is important.

“Oh, I like the receiver room,” McCarthy said. “I think our young guys are definitely going to make the jump. I think (KaVontae Turpin) is having a good offseason. Jalen Tolbert is having a great offseason. (Jalen Brooks), these guys that have been here since Day 1. I say Day 1, I mean, they’ve been here since the season has concluded. It’s been very competitive.”