The Cowboys drafted with their immediate needs in mind this April, looking for prospects that were ready to help replace what their 12-5 team lost in free agency. Just two training camp practices in, they have a clear plan for first-round pick Tyler Smith to work at left guard and tackle, and third-round wide receiver Jalen Tolbert is constantly working on his connection with Dak Prescott.
This has quickly made second-round pick Sam Williams something of an outlier, even though he’s caught the eye of veteran DeMarcus Lawrence before the pads have even come on in Oxnard. Lawrence’s experience is more important than ever this season, as Dan Quinn looks to work in new faces but keep the Cowboys defense as a team strength.