Stephen Jones talks Cowboys’ need to bolster defensive line, Trey Lance’s role in offseason and more

OXNARD, Calif. — Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones discussed several topics after Thursday’s practice.

Some of the highlights include Trey Lance getting plenty of snaps in the preseason, the team still wanting a defensive tackle, Jones praising the 2024 rookie class and running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Royce Freeman.

Here we go:

Strengthening the defensive line

The Cowboys signed two defensive ends on Thursday: Al-Quadin Muhammad and Shaka Toney. The Cowboys are still reeling from the loss of defensive end Sam Williams, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said the Cowboys wanted Williams to play 70 percent of their defensive snaps this year, compared to 28 percent last year.

“I think we can shore up that (position),” Stephen Jones said of the defensive line. “Losing Sam was painful, I hate it for Sam first. We had big plans for Sam, he was going to step up and do (Dorance Armstrong’s) role and more. But (Marshawn) Kneeland, I’m glad we drafted him and there were other players we were looking at. I’m glad we picked him. But now, from a big picture standpoint, we’re still going to look at the defensive line, including tackle.”

The Cowboys have Mazi Smith, Denzel Daxon, Justin Rogers, Osa Odighizuwa and Carl Davis at defensive tackle.

Progress for Smith

Speaking of defensive tackle, Smith had an unproductive rookie season and wants to improve in Year 2. Jones said he’s seen progress.

“I think he’s already taken a step forward,” he said. “The good news for Mazi, a lot of what they want him to do is what he did at Michigan. He understands that and I think he’s going to get better under Mike (Zimmer) and Coach Z (Jeff Zgonina).

Who is QB2?

Everyone knows Dak Prescott is the starting quarterback. What about the battle for the No. 2 spot? Trey Lance is still right behind Cooper Rush in the race. However, Stephen Jones likes what he sees in Lance.

“He’s done a good job,” Jones said. “He continues to work hard and he’s going to get a lot of reps this preseason and play a lot in games and he’s going to deliver, put it out there and finish. He’s done a lot of really good things. I mean there’s some things he obviously needs to continue to improve and some things that are consistent, but there’s a lot of things he likes.”

Jones said Prescott most likely won’t play this preseason and Rush will get some reps. Jones compared the expected playing time Lance will receive to Will Grier last year. The Cowboys played Grier a lot in the preseason with the possibility of overtaking Rush as the No. 2, but that didn’t happen.

“We’ll give him the bulk of the reps, obviously Dak will get little to none, and Cooper won’t get much either,” Jones said. “Cooper is also a seasoned veteran backup and we know he can win games with the right group of players.”

RB Evaluation

At running back, Jones said he’s impressed with Royce Freeman and Ezekiel Elliott.

The Cowboys will use three running backs next season. Elliott is the starter, but he won’t get as many carries as he does in most years. In seven seasons with the Cowboys, Elliott averaged 4.8 yards per touch and had more than 300 touches three times and more than 275 touches twice.

Not anymore.

“His GPS numbers don’t show any decline,” Jones said. “He’s a veteran rider and we’ll take good care of him. We like all three of them.”

So all three?

Freeman, Elliott and Rico Dowdle.

“I see a really good group,” Jones said. “I think Freeman has been a nice surprise with what he brings to the table. He’s a pro. Rico, if he stays healthy, has energy.”

High praise for the recruits

When it came to the draft, Jones had high praise.

“Our draft class is performing well,” Jones said. “All of them. (Tyler) Guyton looks like a natural at left tackle. He’s going to be something special. He’s everything we thought. (Cooper) Beebe is doing a great job at center. (Nathan) Thomas has done a good job at guard/tackle. Marist (Liufau at linebacker) is coming up big on defense. (Cornerback Caelen) Carson is playing really well.”

Jones admits Beebe is still “learning” the center position. Beebe didn’t play center at Kansas State. He worked on it in practice.

“But just bring it with me,” Jones said.

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