5 most important position battles for Cowboys heading into training camp

The Dallas Cowboys don't report to Oxnard, California until the end of July, but already anticipation about what this team could possibly accomplish in 2026 is stirring some excitement around Cowboys Nation. While it's difficult not to jump on the hype train, a lot still needs to be settled before we can consider crowning them Super Bowl contenders.

The good news is the Cowboys are returning all of their starters on the offensive side of the ball from a season ago. They should once again be one of the best scoring units in the league. The biggest mystery right now is how this new-look 3-4 defense under Christian Parker will play.

Unfortunately, we're in a wait-and-see situation right now. There are several position battles that have yet to be settled, and until that happens we really have no idea how good or bad this team will potentially be this year. Some warts can be covered up more than others, but we all know certain positions carry more weight in the NFL.

With that in mind, we decided to share what position battles we will be monitoring closely once training camp gets underway when things finally kick off later this month.

Left tackle

In order to help keep Dak Prescott upright, the Cowboys absolutely need to either Tyler Guyton or Nate Thomas to prove themselves worthy of the starting left tackle job. Guyton is the favored of the two, but inconsistencies and injuries have so far stunted his development. Thomas is probably option No. 2, but he too must prove himself. If neither of those two step up, All-Pro LG Tyler Smith may need to be kicked outside, further shuffling and weakening Dallas' offensive line.

Backup quarterback

The Cowboys offense is in good hands as long as Dak Prescott remains healthy for the entire year, but could be in trouble if he doesn't. Both Joe Milton and Sam Howell bring something different to the QB2 position battle, but if either is needed to start for any amount of time the drop in production could be substantial. Howell is the more proven of the two with starting experience, but Milton has the most upside. Will either separate from the other? Both will be given the opportunity to do so in training camp.

Backup running back

With a new long-term extension after surpassing all expectations last year, Javonte Williams will be Dallas' workhorse RB for the foreseeable future. His physical running style though caused him to wear down a bit at the end of last year, making the RB2 position all the more important behind him. Whether it's Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah or someone else, the Cowboys need someone capable of giving him a breather from time to time to keep him fresh for the entire season. No rock should go unturned to find the best backup.

Middle linebacker

Who ends up starting at MLB and wearing the green dot is probably the biggest question mark for the Cowboys defense heading into training camp. Right now DeMarvion Overshown seems to be the favored option, but he's had two separate season-ending knee injuries and missed 32 games in three years. Dee Winters and Jaishawn Barham are in the mix as well, but so far things remain unsettled. All in-house and outside options should be thoroughly vetted in order to find the best solution possible.

Cornerback

The cornerback position heading into training camp for the Cowboys might just be the most mysterious and unsettled one on the entire roster. No one can say with any kind of certainty how the depth chart will fill out right now. Caleb Downs (nickel) might be the closest thing to being a surefire starter, although if healthy DaRon Bland will surely be one. too. Everyone else seems to be up in the air due to injury concerns, lack of consistency or being new to the franchise. Watching how things fall in place makes the CB position battle one worth monitoring closely.