Cowboys Stock Up With Five On The Rise at Minicamp
Cowboys Stock Up With Five On The Rise at Minicamp originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
FRISCO - "How do they look?''
It's the No. 1 question we get after being granted access to Dallas Cowboys practices. So ... based on early work here at The Star in mandatory minicamp, let's answer the question with "Cowboys Stock Up With Five On The Rise at Minicamp'' ... while spending more time on the lesser lights than the superstars ....
Advertisement
Let's dive into three big winners from practice No. 1 based on the observations from several Cowboys insiders.
1 - TE Brevyn Spann-Ford - The former UDFA is definitely the No. 2 tight end ... and is getting work with the 1's.
He came out of college at Minnesota with a good run-blocking reputation.
He's already way more than that.
Jake Ferguson - who caught a Dak Prescott TD in team work - is the top dog. But two-tight-end sets? Spann-Ford looks like your guy.
2 - QB Joe Milton - Athletic? No doubt. Accurate as a thrower? That's been the case this week, yes.
This is Dak Prescott's show (and he's been good and looking healthy this week, too). But the cheap trade for the promising prospect "Bazooka Joe'' is off to a tremendous start.
Advertisement
3 - LB Jack Sanborn - Our old pal Mike Zimmer had his guy in Eric Kendricks. New defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has his in Sanborn, who is surprisingly able to drop into coverage and looks athletic doing so.
ESPN notes that Marist Liufau recorded a pair of Wednesday QB pressures during indoor work at Ford Center, by the way.
And ...
Micah Parsons did do some on-field work on Tuesday after dealing with earlier back tightness, and when it comes to the front seven, he's obviously the top story.
But he can't do it alone. Sanborn looks like a helper.
4 - CB Israel Mukuamu - Trade get Kaiir Elam has been really steady at one corner. Daron Bland has moved around, with some work in the slot.
Advertisement
That's freed Mukuamu to move from the slot ("Big Safety'' at an eye-popping 6-4?) to get some starting reps at outside cornerback. ... where he's gone against George Pickens ... and survived.
5 - WR Jonathan Mingo - Ah, "The Mingo Package.'' Much talked-about but rarely seen. Still, we keep thinking about the one deep ball he caught, in double-coverage, using his big frame to "out-athlete'' the defense.
It's in there ... somewhere.
Related: Cowboys Culture Change Goes Greek in Viral Video
Related: Cowboys Must Keep Up With The Joneses And Dismiss 'Cap Hell' To Compete
Want more Cowboys? Come inside the Fish Report!
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester Selected to NFL's Best 53-Man Roster of the Past 25 Years
Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester Selected to NFL's Best 53-Man Roster of the Past 25 Years originally appeared on Athlon Sports. A major nod to NFL history just dropped—highlighting the league's most iconic stretch in recent memory. In celebrating the last 25 years of gridiron greatness, a definitive list has been released, shining a spotlight on the league's most impactful players and coaches. And for fans in Chicago, there's plenty to be proud of—two all-time Bears legends earned their place on this elite roster. Advertisement The list in question is the NFL All Quarter Century Team: Best 53-Man Roster, Coaches, released by ESPN analysts Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder. Meant to reflect the best of the best from the modern era (2000–2025), the team captures not just fan favorites but data-backed excellence across all positions. Soldier FieldGetty Images For a city that lives and breathes football, seeing Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester honored among the NFL elite is a badge of honor. Brian UrlacherGetty Images Urlacher anchored one of the most feared defenses of the 2000s—a relentless force who made Sundays miserable for opposing quarterbacks. Over a 13-year career with the Bears, the linebacker totaled 41.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, and 22 interceptions. He was named Defensive Player of the Year once and earned five All-Pro nods. Advertisement According to Walder, the Urlacher-led Bears had the third-best defense in terms of EPA per play from 2001 to '12. He also ranked fourth in plus-EPA per game among all players. A stat-sheet stuffer with sideline-to-sideline instincts, Urlacher was the pulse of a defense that demanded respect. Devin HesterGetty Images Hester brought fireworks every time he touched the ball. With 20 return touchdowns and over 11,000 return yards, his career didn't just redefine special teams—it elevated it to must-see TV. Fourteen of those scores came via punt returns—a jaw-dropping number no one has come close to touching. And in 2024, Hester capped off his legacy by becoming the first return specialist ever inducted into the Hall of Fame. From the moment he housed the opening kick of Super Bowl XLI, fans knew they were watching something special. Advertisement In honoring the league's top contributors from the past quarter century, ESPN's list is both a tribute and a time capsule—a reminder of the impact Urlacher and Hester had on the game. And in Chicago, it's a chance to reflect on two careers that still echo through Soldier Field, reminding fans why this city's football history is anything but ordinary. Related: Bears' Prized Free Agent Starts Game Day in the Most Unexpected Way Related: Bears Hard-Nosed Rookie RB Pushes Back on 7th-Round Label After Draft Slide This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Ryan Bates Faces Roster Pressure as Bears Rebuild Offensive Line
Ryan Bates Faces Roster Pressure as Bears Rebuild Offensive Line originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Bears have made bold moves to reshape their roster, but with that comes inevitable attrition. As the team transitions into a new phase under a retooled coaching staff and front office led by new head coach Ben Johnson, one position group stands out as particularly unsettled. And while most attention has gone to the new faces, the quiet buzz surrounding one veteran's uncertain status is beginning to gain traction. Advertisement In 2024, the Bears acquired Ryan Bates from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a fifth-round pick. A six-year pro, Bates came in with a reputation as a steady hand—a utility lineman who could patch holes wherever needed. But the plan never got off the ground. He played just three games before shoulder and elbow injuries landed him on injured reserve. It was a season to forget for the veteran guard trying to establish himself in a new city. Chicago Bears helmetGetty Images The situation has caught the attention of Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic, whose analysis—shared by ChiCitySports—highlighted Bates in the ongoing battle for offensive line depth: 'This group has only four returning players from last season, a sign of the overhaul. The competition for the final offensive line spots will include Doug Kramer … Ryan Bates, whose 2024 was derailed by injuries, Ricky Stromberg, Chris Glaser and Jordan McFadden. Regardless of who OL8 or OL9 is, the top seven look a lot better than what the Bears have had in several years.' While several linemen are battling for depth roles, Bates stands out for one key reason—he was acquired via trade just last year. That transaction cost the Bears a 2024 fifth-round pick, making him more than just another camp body. Although cutting him wouldn't recoup that draft capital, it could free up valuable cap space if the team decides to move on. Ryan BatesGetty Image Bates was once Buffalo's Swiss Army knife—plug-and-play reliable. In 2022, he started 15 games. A year later, he played in all 17 without missing a snap, even if it was off the bench. But availability only gets you so far when durability comes into question. Advertisement Now, with Ozzy Tripilo freshly drafted and free agent pickups Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson locking down starting spots, the math isn't in his favor. The Bears are deep, young, and aggressive in their approach. And when cut day arrives, the front office might be forced to make a call they didn't expect back when they traded for him. The NFL doesn't wait long for comebacks. In Chicago, the clock may already be ticking. Related: Two Bears Legends Chosen for NFL's Top 53-Man Team of the Last 25 Years Related: Bears' Prized Free Agent Starts Game Day in the Most Unexpected Way This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
WNBA Made Paige Bueckers Announcement After Game Against Sun
WNBA Made Paige Bueckers Announcement After Game Against Sun originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Dallas Wings bested the Connecticut Sun 86-83, bagging their second consecutive win. The matchup featured 12 lead changes and 10 ties, a tight battle all throughout. Advertisement Dallas' rookie star was the main force behind Friday's performance. She added a total of 21 points with 2 rebounds and 7 assists. Though held to just 36% shooting in the second half, her first-half work and overall composure closed the deal for Dallas, improving them to 3–11 on the season. After the game, WNBA announced her as the top performer of the game. "Paige Bueckers was phenomenal once AGAIN! 21 PTS, 7 AST, 2 4th 20+ point game and second straight 20-piece!" They posted. "Led the Wings to their first consecutive victories of the season 💫" Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) drives the ball against Connecticut Sun.© David Butler II-Imagn Images Bueckers received the first technical foul of her WNBA career late in the second quarter after making a baseline jumper and then clapping toward the official while calling out 'And one!' Advertisement The referee, Charles Watson, flagged her for unsportsmanlike conduct. "I clapped twice and I said 'And one!' And he said I clapped in his face. So, that's all." Bueckers acknowledged afterward. She is a favorite of the Connecticut crowd because of her collegiate alliance with the UConn Huskies basketball team. Bueckers spent four years there and Friday night's matchup was her second time returning. "Fun coming back here every single time. They've always shown so much love to me, and it's been a state that's done a lot for me." She revealed post-game. "And so it's always amazing to come back and to get another win here, continue to keep building on what we've been doing as a team, and keep striving for better." Advertisement Related: Lakers Predicted to Land $45 Million Big Man This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
