3 big takeaways from Cowboys' first day of mandatory minicamp

Tuesday was the first day of mandatory minicamp for the Dallas Cowboys, and they were happy to see that everyone showed up. That allowed them to keep their focus on the football field, instead of fielding questions about holdouts.

That being said, there was a lot to take away from day one. As expected, Dak Prescott looked sharp and had a strong connection with new wide receiver George Pickens.

In addition to that, there were several other big takeaways. Let's dive into three of the top notes from their first mandatory practice under head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

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Offseason is for experimenting

Dallas Cowboys safety Israel Mukuamu reacts after intercepting the ball in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Cowboys love players with position flexibility, and they're experimenting with that this offseason. With Jourdan Lewis leaving in free agency, they've tried moving safety Israel Mukuamu into that role, as well as star cornerback DaRon Bland.

On Tuesday, Bland continued to work inside, but they threw in another wrinkle with Mukuamu playing outside corner. It's not a crazy thought since the fifth-year pro played corner at South Carolina. Even so, it's new in Dallas.

** We know KaVontae Turpin is the returner, but Jalen Tolbert took some turns returning some punts as well. Don’t remember him doing much of that his first three years.

** Guard Rob Jones walked off the practice field early. Unclear as to why.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) June 10, 2025

Also new was seeing Jalen Tolbert taking reps as a punt returner. The job will still belong to KaVontae Turpin, but the Cowboys are seeing what Tolbert can do.

Kaiir Elam continues to shine

Former Bills defensive back Kaiir Elam pulls in a throw as he works on individual drills. | Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK

One of the trades Dallas made this offseason was to add former first-round pick Kaiir Elam. While he didn't last with the Buffalo Bills, Elam has made a great first impression in Dallas.

Cowboys Minicamp Day 1 Notes:

- WR George Pickens hauled in five receptions during the team period on a variety of routes. One comeback route completion against Mukuamu was the standout.

- Overall, a strong day for QB Dak Prescott. He went 17-for-19 passing in team periods and…
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) June 10, 2025

Despite not being able to get physical with wideouts, Elam had another pass break up on Tuesday.

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He's been routinely getting his hand on the ball, and if he keeps that up, it could make the Cowboys look brilliant for bringing him in.

Joe Milton is locked in

Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III throws the football before the game against the Miami Dolphins. — New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III throws the football before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Joe Milton III was added in a trade with the New England Patriots and has been fun to watch. He's shown off a rocket arm and unreal athleticism. On Tuesday, he also showed he can be accurate when dialed in.

#Cowboys Minicamp Practice #1 Notes:
- Dak & Pickens connection was ACTIVE
- Most action took place underneath, making it tough on DBs who can’t be physical yet
- Milton showed more accuracy (10-for-10 in team period). Had incredible deep throw to Cropper
- Mingo was second-most…
— Kyle Youmans (@Kyle_Youmans) June 10, 2025

Milton was 10-of-10 passing as he continues to prove he's the clear-cut QB2. He's also making a case for being an upgrade over Cooper Rush, which is no easy task.

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