With the Dallas Cowboys preparing for the 2026 season, several key position battles are expected to shape the roster during training camp, to be held on July 20.

Clarence Hill Jr and Jesse Holly, during the recent episode of 'DLLS Cowboys Podcast', identified three competitions they believe could have the biggest impact on the Cowboys entering the season.

"I think coaches as well - one of the camp battles they will be looking at is that left tackle,” Holly said. “They are going to see if Guyton or Thomas or maybe if they move over Drew Shelton, they're going to look at that from RIP. It is necessary because this is year three for Guyton. This is c*** or get off the pot, my boy.”

Holly, the former Cowboys wide receiver, called Tyler Guyton to be ‘a liability’ if he doesn't step up this season.

Both Nate Thomas and Drew Shelton (No. 112 pick overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft are expected to compete for the left tackle spot, either at the depth or starter position. But if Guyton doesn't prove early, guard Tyler Smith is expected to fill that role. 

"The second camp battle that I'll be looking at is going to be cornerback,” Holly said. “You can really go to the right corner and the left corner...I do think Revel is going to get the first chance. But Cobie Durant, he is going to be nipping at those heels.”

Holly further explained that under DC Christian Parker, Cobie Durant, and DaRon Bland need to improve their performance, as he is someone impatient with underperforming players. 

For the third position battle, Clarence Hill believes the backup running back lacks a veteran presence, but expects the Cowboys to meet that gap during the preseason.

The room currently has Javonte Williams as the starter, with Malik Davis and Jaydon Blue competing for the backup spot.

Hill predicts the younger lot of Jaydon Blue, Hunter Luepke, Phil Mafah, Israel Abanikanda, and Dominic Richardson to compete to either earn a spot on the roster or the practice squad.

Although the Cowboys face multiple roster questions entering training camp, the lack of proven linebacker depth remains one of the team’s most significant concerns.

Dallas’ Linebacker Situation Still Raises Concerns 

After multiple roster changes this offseason, the Cowboys still lack proven depth at the inside linebacker position.

With DeMarvion Overshown as the starter, his injury history raises concerns regarding his consistency and availability in the 2026 season. 

Overshown has played only 19 games overall, missing 32 games of his career since his rookie season.

The team added San Francisco 49ers Dee Winters and Jaishawn Barham (No. 92 pick overall) in the 2026 NFL draft to add necessary depth and versatility to the position.

Clarence Hill Jr., during the DLLS Cowboy podcast, said that he would like to see Barham competing for the part as he brings in the physicality needed for the spot. 

And he expects Barham to push Winters to be the ‘guy next to Overhsown’ and also develop if he secures the role.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore