As the Dallas Cowboys continue through the early phase of their offseason, much of the attention continues to be centered around personnel questions on the defensive side of the ball. However, the additions Dallas has made on the offensive side are expected to shake up the depth chart, potentially pushing regular contributors into competition for roster spots and, in some cases, making them trade candidates or release possibilities.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer and his staff have consistently emphasized the importance of competition. They heartily believe it will strengthen the roster, so much so the Cowboys use competitive events to get the juices flowing and build team chemistry. With OTAs now less than a month away, six offensive players will be challenged to get those competitive juices flowing early or risk falling behind. The final position battle on this list may surprise some, but it’s one to keep an eye on as camp unfolds.
Nate Thomas vs. Drew Shelton
The Cowboys have high hopes for offensive tackle Drew Shelton after drafting him in the fourth round. Praised for his footwork and movement skills, Shelton immediately thrusts himself into a battle with Nate Thomas for the swing tackle position. Thomas, a seventh-round pick in 2024, held the position in Dallas last season but dealt with his share of ups and downs, specifically against speed rushers.
If Thomas isn’t able to improve against speed rushers, he risks allowing Shelton to take his place on the roster. When one adds left tackle Tyler Guyton’s injury concerns into the mix, the spotlight on this battle will be bright.
T.J. Bass vs. Trevor Keegan
The Cowboys like Bass; so much so they placed a second-round tender on the former UDFA. Unfortunately, Dallas also likes Keegan, and he’s a player with a similar play style and temperament to Bass, but at a cheaper cost. Keegan, a fifth-round pick in 2024, has starting experience, plays with power, and is physical in the running game, just like Bass. If Keegan can impress the coaching staff, the price tag on Bass becomes a blinking red light. Dallas claimed Keegan, whose rookie deal through 2027 costs $3.2 million, compared to Bass, who is making $5.7 million for one season. The price tag on Bass may be too high for the Cowboys, but a worthwhile trade candidate for other teams.
Luke Schoonmaker vs. Michael Trigg
It seems as though Dallas has lost faith in their former second-round pick, Luke Schoonmaker. Last season, he fell behind second-year tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford and now has the Cowboys’ priority UDFA Michael Trigg to deal with. Trigg comes in with a lot of supporters in the building, mainly tight ends coach Lunda Wells. When compared to Trigg, Schoonmaker isn’t the most athletic tight end, nor is he a vertical threat.
Schoonmaker is a blocking tight end who, at times, isn’t capable of handling that sole role. Dallas is really intrigued by Trigg’s ability to cause matchup issues in the passing game, and if he can become an average blocker, Schoonmaker could be on his way out.
Joe Milton III vs. Sam Howell
While Milton’s arm talent is unquestioned, his ability to control that talent, sadly, is not, and gives Howell and his experience an opening for the backup quarterback spot. Going into his second season with the Cowboys, Milton III should have the upper hand, but Howell is a smart quarterback whose started for an entire season in the league, and he could take over the backup role if Milton III is unable to control his arm. We’ve seen Schottenheimer go with less mobile quarterbacks behind starter Dak Prescott, and Howell has a chance to be another one.
Jonathan Mingo vs. Anthony Smith vs. Traeshon Holden
Mingo has been able to hold this roster spot the last two seasons, but he won’t have an easy road ahead of him this season. Holden is entering Year 2 with Dallas, and they liked Smith enough to draft him to make sure he didn’t sign elsewhere. Both have strengths that match Mingo outside of his mere size. Holden has the size to be a capable blocker in the running game and a possession receiver. Smith, on the other hand, is smaller but has the speed to beat teams deep, and he can play on the outside and out of the slot. There’s a solid chance that the Mingo experiment ends this year.
Surprise Candidate Hunter Luepke vs. Princeton Fant
Luepke signed a new contract last season, but the Cowboys’ continued interest in TE/H-Back Princeton Fant is something to monitor. Luepke has the upper hand, but Fant has the skills and talent to win the position in training camp. Dallas used Fant to spell Luepke at times last season; the only thing holding Fant back has been his ability to sustain blocks. If Fant can improve there, then the Cowboys would find themselves in a good situation. Fullbacks have become desirable in the NFL again. Having two is a luxury though, and just like Bass, the Cowboys would save cap space if they considered trading Luepke.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 6 key Cowboys offensive battles worth clodely monitoring this summer
Reporting by Terence Watson , Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
