Caleb Downs Headlines Brian Schottenheimer's List of 10 Cowboys Exceeding Expectations

The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up their Oxnard portion of training camp on Thursday in what was an eventful week for the team.

Along with their normal practices, the Cowboys also took part in a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints that was jam-packed with brawls throughout the session.

Before the final practice in Oxnard on Thursday, head coach Brian Schottenheimer was asked to name five players who exceeded expectations at training camp.

Schottenheimer ended up listing off 10 players in total. Here's the list, which is headlined by first-round pick and safety Caleb Downs, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

DB Caleb Downs
OLB Rashan Gary
DT Otito Ogbonnia
CB Shavon Revel Jr.
WR Jonathan Mingo
WR Camden Brown
OT Tyler Guyton
RB Javonte Williams
WR Ryan Flournoy
P Bryan Anger

Schottenheimer also went into a bit of detail about why he listed those players, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic.

“Caleb Downs, special young player. Rashan Gary’s leadership has jumped out at me. And as a player, you guys know that," Schotty explained. "(Otito Ogbonnia), I mean, you talk about a guy that we thought we were getting maybe a run stopper. This guy’s a good football player, damn good football player, massive, really strong with his hands.

“Very proud of (Shavon Revel). I’m just going to keep ripping names. … Jonathan Mingo, Camden Brown, Tyler Guyton, Javonte Williams, Ryan Flournoy, Bryan Anger, however old he is. He just hit a couple 75 yard punts."

Breaking down Schotty's list

Dallas Cowboys receiver Jonathan Mingo. — Dallas Cowboys receiver Jonathan Mingo (81) carries the ball wearing a Guardian helmet cap at training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It's certainly a great sign to see Downs make the cut, but that's not surprising because we've heard nothing but great things about him throughout the offseason.

Guys like Mingo and Ogbonnia have both flown under the radar a bit, but clearly we shouldn't be sleeping on either one. This praise is especially important for Mingo, who wasn't certain to make the cut entering training camp. Mingo's biggest threat currently is Brown, who has been outstanding and also made the list.

Revel has often been pegged as someone who is an ascending player, something defensive coordinator Christian Parker said recently. If DaRon Bland can rebound and Cobie Durant keeps playing at the level we've seen in camp, Dallas' cornerbacks situation could be very good.

It's hard to be surprised by Ryan Flournoy and Rashan Gary, both of whom have maintained strong momentum this offseason. Gary in particular has routinely been praised for his leadership qualities.

It's encouraging to see Guyton on the list ahead of what is a make-or-break year for him. The former first-round pick was slated to compete for his job this offseason, but he ended up never being in danger of being unseated and will be the team's starter in Week 1.

With Oxnard now a memory, the Cowboys will take part in their second preseason game on Saturday night before another week of practices and the preseason finale next Friday.

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