3 players who have improved the most in training camp
The Dallas Cowboys have had several practices out in Oxnard during their 2026 training camp. Today, things will intensify once the pads come on, which is where they separate the men from the boys.
That’s not to say that there hasn’t been fireworks already. Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark look amazing to start camp. Also, first-round pick Malachi Lawrence is showing flashes, and Javonte Williams looks very sharp going into his second season in Dallas.
Dallas has a plethora of others guys that are making waves as well under the California sun. Let’s take a look at three players that have improved the most since camp started.
Jaishawn Barham
Barham was taken in the third round back in April, and he’s battling for early playing time at the linebacker spot. Learning curves are expected in these situations, but Barham is looking like seasoned pro in a short amount of time. Whether it’s been against the run or the pass, Barham’s instincts and processing ability have been on full display.
At Michigan, Barham played both linebacker and edge. He’ll be asked to due some of both in Dallas as well. That type of versatility makes him a great fit for what Christian Parker wants to do, and if he keeps that up when the pads come on, veteran Dee Winters will have some serious competition at middle linebacker.
Yes, Barham is a rookie, but he’s taken a leap already. He’s adapted to the NFL very well so far, and the eyes on him will only increase once he’s in pads.
Jaydon Blue
As much as any player, especially the returning guys, Blue came into camp with a lot eyes on him, and that’s because his rookie campaign certainly didn’t go according to plan. However, Blue has put together several good days of practice.
His explosiveness has been eye-opening, as he’s broken off multiple long runs with one being for a touchdown last Wednesday during the first practice. Blue was limited to only just five game appearances as a rookie in 2025, but he’s well on his way to passing that in his second year if this type of progression continues during camp and the preseason.
The Cowboys have a decent chunk of change invested in Williams. In order to keep him fresh long-term, he will need a reliable running mate, and Blue has the skillset to be that.
Phil Mafah
Blue will not have it easy winning RB2 duties. Mafah is also entering his second year in Dallas after only playing in the season finale a year ago. He hasn’t wasted any time making himself a strong candidate to backup Williams. In fact, Mafah is clearly more explosive in camp than he was a year ago, which is something he worked on during the offseason. It helped him break off a long touchdown last Thursday.
The development of Mafah, who is similar in build and running style to Williams, could give the Cowboys another downhill ball carrier that can physically wear defenses down, and he could be an option at times on short yardage as well as when the Cowboys’ offense gets near the goal line, especially if he wins the backup role.
Mafah has made it a serious competition between himself and Blue when it comes to being the primary backup. As camp rolls along, it’s certainly near the top of the list as far as battles go.
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