2025 training camp has arrived for the Dallas Cowboys, after optimism grew throughout the offseason. From Brian Schottenheimer’s enthusiasm, through their acclaimed draft class and to the trade for George Pickens, this looks like a better team than the one from last year.

Positive vibes are good, but now the real work is about to begin. If the Cowboys are to turn their fortunes around for the 2025 season, they could use a few breakouts. Every year, there’s a group of NFL players who far surpass expectations, semingly coming out of nowhere to become key factors for their teams. For the Cowboys that includes recent names such as running back Tony Pollard, cornerback DaRon Bland, and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown.

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As training camp closes kicks off, here are three options who could take their games to the next level as breakout candidates.

Jake Ferguson had his breakout a few seasons ago when he took over for Dalton Schultz as the starter at tight end, but last year’s performance left something to be desired. An injury, backup quarterback play, and an offense without weapons didn’t help, so there’s still hope he can regain his form, especially in an offense that now has two legitimate WR options brightening his outlook.

Even if Ferguson rebounds, that doesn’t mean another TE won’t emerge as well. Spann-Ford is entering his second year, the season most players make their biggest jump. With a full offseason to learn and grow, Spann-Ford has some significant buzz surrounding him heading into camp.

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Despite being thought of as TE3 on the roster, Spann-Ford has a path to a larger role. Luke Schoonmaker is ahead of him on the depth chart, but with his disappointing play thus far there’s no reason the former undrafted free agent can’t surpass him and push for seeing the field more. Spann-Ford made his way into the league because of his run blocking prowess, something he does better than both players ahead of him, which should endear him to new offensive coordinator Klayton Adams. It’s an easy path to more playing time for Spann-Ford.

What could help the young TE breakout is his growth as a receiver. Spann-Ford has impressed this offseason, giving him a chance to become a force on offense, especially in the middle of the field. Spann-Ford’s size, 6-foot-7, 280 pounds, makes him a red zone matchup nightmare, so don’t be surprised if he excels in that area. A breakout season could be loading for Spann-Ford.

Although a rookie, Blue’s fifth-round pedigree makes him a breakout candidate for the Cowboys’ offense. Blue isn’t likely to be the workhorse RB, but the offense will look to utilize his speed and game-breaking ability.

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Blue has the skills to make explosive plays on the ground, or through the air, as he’s a very good receiver.

Blue scored 14 touchdowns last season at Texas, two of which came from over 35 yards out, and six of which came through the air. Blue also did the grind work near the goal line where he had 11 scores from inside seven yards.

There isn’t a tough path for Blue getting on the field either, just two veterans who haven’t done much in the last few seasons, so the rookie should be able to have a role. What Blue does with those opportunities could define where the offense goes this season.

If Blue can have the same impact Pollard had, making big plays as a complimentary RB, he would bring a new dimension to the Cowboys’ offense.

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Williams was derailed early last year, an ACL injury during the first padded practice, and never got to explode in Mike Zimmer’s defense. Zimmer had big plans for Williams and the potential career year was washed away.

Williams will be over a year removed from the injury when the regular season starts and he’ll have an opportunity to breakout. In his two healthy seasons, the Ole Miss pass rusher has 8.5 sacks in limited playing time, so he has shown an ability to get to the QB.

What stands in Williams’ way are a bevy of rushing options. If the fourth-year veteran wants to have an impact, he’ll have to beat out second-year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who looks like the favorite to start opposite of Micah Parsons, rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku, and veteran Dante Fowler for playing time. The Cowboys also signed Payton Turner in free agency to improve their depth.

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That’s a good amount of competition for Williams, but Kneeland needs pass rushing work, Ezeiruaku will have a learning curve, Fowler is more of a designated edge rusher, and Turner’s lengthy injury history has kept him from realizing his first-round pedigree.

Williams’ best asset is his pass rushing ability, which should see him surpass his career high of 4.5 sacks. Playing in a contract year, it’s time to live up to his potential.

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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3 Cowboys breakout candidates include 2nd-round pick, Day 3 rookie