3 biggest winners from Dallas Cowboys mandatory minicamp

Thursday was the final practice for the Dallas Cowboys' three-day mandatory minicamp. The team will now take a break until late July, which is when they will meet up to kick off their 2025 training camp.

Despite the potential for drama with contract negotiations lingering for Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs rehabbing away from the team, the Cowboys had a quiet week with everyone in attendance.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer was thrilled with his first minicamp, saying he got emotional when addressing the team on Thursday.

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As for the play on the field, it's always difficult to gauge too much when the practices are non-contact. Still, there were several players who stood out including the three major winners below.

Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE

Dallas Cowboys tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford walks off the field after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers. | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Last season, the Cowboys signed Minnesota's Brevyn Spann-Ford as an undrafted free agent. He fought his way onto the roster and appeared in all 17 games. His production was minimal with just 88 yards on nine receptions, but that could change in 2025.

Spann-Ford was highly impressive during minicamp, even earning snaps with the starters. Schottenheimer even said he's pushing both Luke Schoonmaker and even Jake Ferguson.

We saw a lot of Cowboys TE Brevyn Spann-Ford during OTAs and minicamp running with the ones. HC Brian Schottenheimer was super complimentary of his offseason today in his presser:

"He had an incredible off-season. He really did. The size alone, he moves really well. I think he…
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) June 12, 2025

Ferguson is still the clear-cut starter, even after a decline in performance last season. That said, Spann-Ford has proven he deserves a larger role in year two.

Kaiir Elam, CB

Bills Kaiir Elam celebrates his fumble recovery against Miami during second-half action at Highmark Stadium | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

A first-round pick for the Buffalo Bills in 2022, Kaiir Elam is ready for a fresh start in Dallas — which is where his father, Abram Elam, spent two years of his playing career. Elam never found his rhythm with Buffalo, but is off to a hot start with the Cowboys.

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The coaching staff has been singing his praises as Elam remained the most consistent presence at cornerback throughout camp. Dallas is without Trevon Diggs and Shavon Revel, as they work their way back from knee injuries, which has opened the door for Elam. So far, he's made the most of his opportunity.

George Pickens, WR

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens celebrates his first-down reception against the Cincinnati Bengals. — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens celebrates his first-down reception during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals. | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Like Kaiir Elam, George Pickens was ready for a fresh start, and found that in Dallas.

Pickens, however, didn't join the Cowboys with the dreaded draft bust label. The 2022 second-round pick was instead criticized for his attitude and for letting his emotions get the better of him.

It's far too early to say he's a changed man, but Pickens has been impressing everyone from the head coach to the star quarterback, Dak Prescott.

Dak Prescott when asked about George Pickens’ reputation coming from Pittsburgh and how he has interacted with the Cowboys locker room: “That’s why I don’t think you should ever really listen to what somebody else says about somebody. I think you should judge everyone, not judge… pic.twitter.com/eBo28LiJrA
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 12, 2025

He's also showing off the talent that put him on the Cowboys' radar. According to those in attendance, Pickens couldn't be guarded during practice.

Again, it's early, but this is the perfect start to his tenure in Big D, which makes him the top winner from minicamp.

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