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5 best training camp battles for Cowboys in 2019

By Mike Phillips

FRISCO, TX - MAY 22: Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs up the field during the Dallas Cowboys OTA on May 22, 2019 at The Star in Frisco, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
FRISCO, TX - MAY 22: Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs up the field during the Dallas Cowboys OTA on May 22, 2019 at The Star in Frisco, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 30: Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) warms up prior to the National Football League game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys on December 30, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 30: Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) warms up prior to the National Football League game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys on December 30, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Defensive tackle

The Cowboys’ defense was really good a year ago, and they have brought back a lot of the players that made it a strong unit. As a result, there aren’t a ton of starting spots up for grabs, but there could be an intriguing fight brewing along the defensive line.

The incumbent is fourth year starter Maliek Collins, who played in 13 games and recorded 19 tackles along with three sacks. Collins was a solid run stuffer for the Cowboys as well, who were one of the best defenses in the league against the run during the regular season.

There is some competition for Collins, however, in the form of Trysten Hill. Hill, Dallas’ top draft choice this season, offers unique pass rushing skills from the middle and can help the Cowboys push the pocket against the NFC East’s less mobile quarterbacks.

A rookie defender always has a steep learning curve, so a lot of this battle will depend on how quickly Hill can learn his responsibilities in Rod Marinelli’s scheme. If Hill can pick up all of his various reads and roles quickly, he could offer a high upside alternative to Collins in the starting lineup.

Either way, both players will get plenty of work in Dallas’ defensive line rotation, but the Cowboys likely want Hill to force his way into the starting lineup after making him their top choice in the draft.

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