Cowboys training camp has surprise standout no one saw coming

The Dallas Cowboys need someone to step up at wide receiver and they suddenly have several players rising to the occasion.

Aug 1, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper (16) and wide receiver Tyron Johnson (80) hydrate during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports / Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

With Michael Gallup being released in the offseason, the Dallas Cowboys entered training camp without a clear-cut No. 3 wide receiver. They hoped Jalen Tolbert would step up and take the role and so far, the 2022 third-round pick from South Alabama has been playing well.

But he's far from the only receiver making plays through the first couple of days.

Dallas expected second-year player Jalen Brooks and rookie Ryan Flournoy to each make an impression, but no one was counting on Tyron Billy-Johnson to be the early standout. The 6-foot-1, 193-pounder made the rounds on social media as he was running impressive routes, including one where he beat Eric Scott, Jr. on an out route to haul in a pass from Trey Lance.

Tyron Billy-Johnson has had a strong first two days of camp #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/zkHOENlWyD

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) July 26, 2024

He also got to work with the first team and earned the turst of Dak Prescott, who hit him deep at one point with Nahshon Wright and Donovan Wilson in coverage.

Here’s Dak Prescott working with Tyron Billy-Johnson, who’s played for the Texans, Bills, Texans again, Panthers, Chargers, Jaguars, Raiders, Texans a third time, Bengals, and 49ers. Yeah, just stop. https://t.co/HgJIEtvFBu pic.twitter.com/fEC5eaw0jB

— Ernie The Cowboys Fan (@es3_09) July 26, 2024

Billy-Johnson also beat Wright on an out pattern.

Tyron Billy-Johnson pic.twitter.com/u3DNzO5qfs

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 26, 2024

He then got the best of No. 25 again, this time on a crossing route that allowed Prescott to hit him in stride.

Tyron Billy Johnson on crossing route. pic.twitter.com/tCfCGtoixb

— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) July 26, 2024

Undrafted out of Oklahoma State in 2019, Billy-Johnson has yet to play in a regular season game. He's already spent time with nine NFL teams, including three stints with the Houston Texans.

Billy-Johnson signed with the Cowboys in June of 2023 and spent the season on the practice squad. He was released in January but added back to the roster in April. At 28 years of age, he could be running out of time to make it in the NFL but he's giving it all he has this year.

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