Dallas Cowboys OTA notes

Keep these things in mind when you hear about OTAs; even though the players are playing hard, there are no pads. Nobody is getting hit out there, this isn’t a true measuring stick to how good a player will do in the season. This is the equivalent of you and your buddies running routes in the backyard at the neighborhood cookout. You’re trying, but still not giving everything you got.

That being said, here’s a few quick hits about Dallas’ first OTA:

Notable players who did not come out to the team’s first voluntary workout are: wideout Patrick Crayton, and defensive end, Marcus Spears. However, Spears was excused, and plans on showing up for tomorrow’s OTA. Crayton on the other hand has been vocal about not getting a fair shot to win the second or even third wideout spot on the team now that Dez Bryant has been drafted.

Some of you might know that Dez Bryant was pretty impressive at the rookie workout a few weeks back, I wasn’t overly surprised since he was out there against 7^th round picks and undrafted rookies. However, he looked just the same today at OTAs when being matched up against pro bowl corners, Terrence Newman and Mike Jenkins. ESPNDallas.com’s Calvin Watkins and Dallascowboys.com’s Josh Ellis both mentioned a play where Terrence Newman was forced to hold Bryant and interfere in order not to get beat by the young rookie. Mike Jenkins said that Bryant is going to be ready for week one.

Speaking of Jenkins, of wideout Roy Williams, he stated that Roy was “On fire” today. Williams has lost some weight, and according to dallascowboys.com writer, Rob Phillips, he is sporting a new stance off the line of scrimmage that should help with his explosion at the snap.

Some shuffling in the Dallas Cowboys offensive line this morning as they released backups Cory Procter and Duke Preston. They then played Montrae Holland as the second team guard, and Kyle Kosier as the backup center. Doug Free was with the first team offense at left tackle, and Alex Barron was with the second team at left tackle. But Barron quickly stated to the media that he still has the mindset to start with the first team come the regular season.

Felix Jones and Marion Barber split carries with the first team offense.

Jason Hatcher started at left defensive end with the absence of Spears.

Wade Phillips said that second year player, Jason Williams is competing for the nickel linebacker spot with rookie Sean Lee. This spot is now vacant since Bobby "Barbie" Carpenter was traded.

That’s all the notes I got for now, I continue to gather info as the day goes on.