3 main areas of concern for Cowboys heading to training camp

Training camp arrives at the end of the month for the Dallas Cowboys and the vibes around the team are good. There’s no drama surrounding the team, and no one has heard from owner Jerry Jones in quite some time.

>This is an unusual feeling for the Cowboys and their fans, who have grown accustomed to some sort of issue heading into camp. Without the outside noise, the concern for the team remains on the field, where, despite the positive vibes, there are still a few question marks. Here are three things that should worry the Cowboys as training camp approaches.

LB depthThis remains one of the positions where the Cowboys are thin and could use a bump in talent. No one is sure how veteran Rashan Gary or Donovan Ezeiruaku, coming off hip surgery, will be utilized in Christian Parker’s scheme, but if they are primarily being used at the line of scrimmage, the defense is short at linebacker.

>The two key players who will see most of the LB snaps are DeMarvion Overshown and Dee Winters, both of whom are capable options. Overshown has proven to be a player when healthy and many are calling for him to be a breakout star in Parker’s defense, while Winters looks like a smart acquisition for the team.

>However, Overshown and Winters are similar players, and Dallas’ defense could use more of a thumper in the middle to help stop the run. Trading for Miami Dolphins All-Pro Jordyn Brooks or signing veteran Bobby Wagner would make sense for the Cowboys.

>The depth chart also shows second-year LB Shemar James and Justin Barron, who is better suited for a special teams role. Rookie Jaishawn Barham is in the mix as well, but his role and learning curve shouldn’t prevent the organization from adding another option.

>The Cowboys have versatility at the second level of their defense, but there are valid questions about the LB unit.

Pass rushing qualityOne of the ways to win games in the NFL is to disrupt the quarterback, and there are concerns about the Cowboys’ ability to do that with their current personnel. The defense does have some good pass rushers, but they don’t have any dominant options off the edge.

>Gary is coming off a 7.5-sack season, but he didn’t record any of those in the second half of the season. Ezeiruaku had trouble finishing as a rookie, and the team’s returning sack leader is James Houston, who had only 5.5 last year. The Cowboys did draft Malachi Lawrence in the first round to help, and brought back Sam Williams, who should be a better fit in Parker’s expected scheme, but there isn’t much firepower on the edges.

>The team is counting on Gary being close to a double-digit sack guy, and hoping for a big jump from Ezeiruaku, while also placing some faith in Lawrence to contribute as a rookie in boosting the pass rush. Right now, the Cowboys are buying into the sum of the edge rushing parts being able to collectively get after the QB effectively. That feels like a lot of wishful thinking and is something to worry about as camp is set to open.

Starting offensive tacklesThe interior of the Cowboys’ offensive line is among the best in the league, but the tackles are a concern. Left tackle Tyler Guyton showed improvement in Year Two, but injuries didn’t allow him to thrive or make a big leap. The ability is there with Guyton, but he needs to stay healthy and find consistency.

>Fellow bookend Terence Steele had an up-and-down 2025 campaign at RT as well. The offense needs Steele to thrive as a run blocker since he struggles to slow down edge rushers as a pass protector.

>Any regression at either tackle spot is a problem because the Cowboys don’t have a good enough backup swing option. Nathan Thomas is still learning but struggled when called upon last year, and the other top candidate is rookie Drew Shelton. That’s not an ideal situation for the Cowboys, who must hope Guyton flips the switch and Steele can play at an acceptable level.

>These are well-known holes on the roster, and the Cowboys haven’t addressed them yet. There are veteran options available to help, but the team is likely waiting until training camp to find solutions.

>This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3 main areas of concern for Cowboys heading to training camp