The latest Dallas Cowboys news after the first week of offseason workouts.
Overshown on bulkier frame, Zimmer expectations – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com
The former third-round pick added some muscle to deal with the responsibility of playing linebacker.
The next time fans of the Dallas Cowboys see DeMarvion Overshown on the field, live and in living color, will be at training camp in Oxnard come late July, but he won’t look the same as he did in his first-ever camp in 2023, and not simply because he’s changed his jersey to No. 13..
Overshown used his time away from the field — recovering from a torn ACL suffered last August amidst a dominant training camp — to bulk up in preparation for what will essentially be his true rookie season in 2024.
The former third-round pick explains why he made a concerted effort over the last several months to put on a noticeable amount of muscle to his already lengthy, athletic frame, as he gets ready to take on the role of WILL (weakside linebacker) for Mike Zimmer’s defense.
“I’ve definitely gotten bigger since last year,” said Overshown. “That was more of a me thing, and seeing my future in this league and what’s gonna be best for my body — to be productive on the field — and that was gaining weight.
“And not just gaining weight in general, but gaining lean mass, muscle weight and getting stronger. I’ve put about 12-13 pounds of lean mass on, and I’m gonna go into camp a little bigger and then drop down to where I wanna play at, which will be around 233 or 234 [pounds].”
Why Cowboys’ No. 3 receiver role will be key development with a big opportunity – Saad Yousuf, The Athletic
The race for the Cowboys third wide receiver is going to be fun the watch.
Lamb’s absence, though not ideal, could end up being a blessing in disguise for the Cowboys. Tolbert is getting valuable reps and catching more passes from Prescott than he would be otherwise. There’s a trickle-down effect on the roster, too, as guys such as Brooks and Turpin also get more face time in premium spots.
Tolbert is the leader in the clubhouse to capture the No. 3 wide receiver spot, but he still has to earn it in OTAs, minicamp and training camp. Whoever ends up in that role could have a huge opportunity this season. Lamb will garner the bulk of the defense’s attention. Cooks’ speed and veteran savvy will keep the opposition on notice, too. From the tight end spot, Jake Ferguson — given his development and chemistry with Prescott — might end up being the second or third receiving option in the passing game.
The No. 3 receiver will be in a position to exploit mismatches against the depth of opposing defenses. Who will emerge in that role for the Cowboys will be something to monitor throughout the summer.
Dallas Cowboys OTAs: Winners, losers and no-shows so far – Ben Grimaldi, WFAA
Some of the younger players or ones that need to step for the Cowboys are getting chances.
Extra opportunities
For every rep that Lamb and Parsons don’t take, a young player gets a chance to grow.
The Cowboys need a young pass rusher to step up with Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler now in Washington. Without Parsons, third-year edge rusher Sam Williams got opportunities to work on his game, and rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland needs all the practice he can get with his raw tools. Kneeland reportedly won some reps against the first-team offensive line in the sessions.
The same can be said at receiver, where second and third-year WRs Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Brooks got work with the first-team offense with Lamb missing. The Cowboys need a reliable third WR and everyone not named Lamb or Bradin Cooks can use more reps this offseason.
For Cowboys, Schoonmaker, it’s not panic time… yet – Reid Hanson, Cowboys Wire
Schoonmaker has a lot to prove in his second year, and with guys on his heels, it won’t be easy.
With his rookie season a bust, Schoonmaker looked to 2024 to show he was worth a second-round pick. It’s a situation that just suffered a setback with recent news a hamstring injury will be limiting him in OTAs. This on the heels of shoulder surgery soon after the offseason began.
For as upsetting as the news is, it’s better now than later. Schoonmaker is a smart player. He’s a focused player. He’s a player who just needs to execute. And that execution has to come in live action and the closest thing to live action before the regular season is training camp.
As long as Schoonmaker is good to go for Oxnard, CA, he’s in position to realize his potential as a top draft pick. The Cowboys are likely handling the situation cautiously because they, as much as anyone, want their TE2 ready to compete in training camp.
At the moment there’s nothing to worry about. As long as Schoonmaker is in position to compete when it matters, things should be fine. It’s only if he can’t make it back when people should start to worry. It’s then the TE2 role can really fall into question, and it’s then his future should fall into doubt.
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