3 Cowboys players who could steal a spot during training camp

The Dallas Cowboys recently announced their dates for 2025 training camp. The team will meet in Oxnard, CA on July 20, with the first practice being July 22.

This is more than one month after the team’s mandatory minicamp, which was given positive reviews for the tone set by first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

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There were also several players who made a name for themselves during those workouts — as well as during the voluntary training activities. With that in mind, here’s a look at three players who could ride that momentum into camp and steal a spot on the roster.

Justin Barron, LB

Dallas Cowboys LB Justin Barron goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star — Dallas Cowboys linebacker Justin Barron goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

An undrafted free agent out of Syracuse, Justin Barron is making the transition from safety to linebacker. During rookie minicamps and OTAs, he turned heads and came off as a natural at the position.

Dallas isn’t incredibly deep at linebacker, which helps Barron’s chances. With his coverage skill and speed, he could find his way to the roster as a rookie — and might be in the mix for snaps on special teams early.

Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE

Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle is helped up by tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens — Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle is helped up by tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens | Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

The Cowboys selected Luke Schoonmaker in the second-round of the 2023 NFL draft with the hope he could replace Dalton Schultz. Instead, Jake Ferguson broke out, keeping Schoonmaker in the TE2 role.

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Heading into his third season, he could be in danger of losing that spot to Brevyn Spann-Ford. An undrafted free agent out of Minnesota, Spann-Ford made the team as a rookie in 2024 and was the team’s third tight end.

This offseason, he’s been dominating every drill and could force his way up the depth chart if he continues to shine during camp.

Jay Toia, DT

UCLA nose tackle Jay Toia during the second quarter against the Fresno State Bulldogs — UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Jay Toia during the second quarter against the Fresno State Bulldogs | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

It’s not often a seventh-round pick flirts with starting reps as a rookie, but that could be the case for Jay Toia. The UCLA product proved to be a force during offseason work, and was taking reps with the first-team at OTAs.

Dallas is hopeful Mazi Smith can finally turn the corner, but if not, the 342-pound Toia will be waiting for a chance to steal his spot.

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