7 unheralded standouts to watch for as Cowboys open exhibition season vs Rams

When training camp opens and people start discussing which players look the best, they all say the same thing, “Remember, they aren’t in pads yet.” The Dallas Cowboys have now had multiple padded practices, a joint practice with another team, and are now set to take the field for an exhibition game. Players who take a big jump once they are in pads typically improve their chances of making the team more.

With pads, practices simulate real football more. Can receivers hold on to the ball with defensive backs able to attack the catch point? Do running backs get skinny through the hole and remain balanced through contact? Who moves whom in the trenches? These are all easier to answer once the team is in pads, so who has improved their reputations the most and deserves a closer look in Saturday’s exhibition against the Rams?

RB Jaydon Blue

Jaydon Blue received more reps once Deuce Vaughn went out with an injury, and he quickly transitioned from third-string to first-string reps. He has a level of explosion that exceeds any other back, unless KaVontae Turpin is taking a snap in the backfield. He has excellent vision, finding the correct lane to run through, and his ability to cut and go is remarkable. Blue made a tremendous one-handed catch that turned heads and will be a matchup nightmare for teams in coverage. He has cemented himself as a contributor who will make the roster since the pads came on.

WR Traeshon Holden

Undrafted free agent Traeshon Holden was a long shot to make the team when he signed with Dallas after the draft. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens were cemented as the top two guys. Jalen Tolbert led the team in touchdowns last season while Turpin is a weapon whom Brian Schottenheimer has said the offense needs to use more. Dallas traded for Jonathan Mingo and is anticipating what he can be with Dak Prescott at QB. That is five players ahead of him.

Then, there is Jalen Brooks, who played almost 400 snaps with the Cowboys last year, and Ryan Flournoy, who was drafted on Day 3 and played over 150 snaps. Holden has risen to the top of the second-tier group of receivers during camp, especially since pads were introduced. He isn’t a flash player, consistently making catches on the sidelines and in the back of the end zone.

He has the awareness to keep himself in bounds and excellent hands away from his body. Holden has been good enough that it’s almost a guarantee that he will be on a team as the season starts. Currently, he is battling Mingo and Tolbert for the fourth or fifth receiver spot.

DT Perrion Winfrey

The Cowboys are one of the better draft-and-develop teams in the league, but their specialty seems to be acquiring players from the United Football League (UFL). They have signed Brandon Aubrey and Turpin, two All-Pro players, to their roster over the last few years. Perrion Winfrey is the latest option. He is a defensive tackle who fits what defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus likes to run up front.

He is a 6-foot-4, 290-pound guy with 35-inch arms and an ability to penetrate and make plays in the backfield. The position was limited, and while Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas have played well, Winfrey has been the best tackle in pads. He has regularly played with the first team alongside Odighizuwa and has been a problem, even for the powerful interior offensive line. Originally a long shot to make the roster on a team with plenty of good defensive linemen has become a sure thing to make the 53-man roster.

WR Jonathan Mingo

Mingo was a second-round draft pick for a reason. He is 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, and has enough ability that many believe he should be a starting outside, “X” receiver. He is a plus blocker who has regularly beaten coverage, but whether it’s due to poor timing or bad quarterback play, he doesn’t have much production. He hasn’t played with great passers, going from Bryce Young and Andy Dalton to Cooper Rush. In camp, he has been a playmaker, whether with Dak Prescott or Joe Milton.

Lamb, Pickens, and Turpin have been the best three weapons thus far, but Mingo has been as good as anyone else, including Tolbert. Mingo is bigger, has a higher potential, and is possibly the best blocker in the receiving room, so Tolbert has to watch out, or Mingo could take his snaps.

Other Players to Watch on Saturday

• Slot corner/safety Zion Childress
• Left tackle Nathan Thomas
• Linebacker Damone Clark

You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys vs Rams: 7 to watch include UDFA Traeshon Holden, UFL convert