George Pickens speaks (kind of) and Cowboys wrap up OTAs. Here's what to know

The Dallas Cowboys finished organized team activities in Frisco this week ahead of mandatory minicamp, with several storylines emerging from the practice field.

From George Pickens’ uncertain status to rookie standouts and offensive line competitions, here’s what stood out from the offseason workouts:

• Wide receiver George Pickens gave an evasive “uhhhh” response and a shrug when asked whether he would attend mandatory minicamp, before his agent’s representative cut off further questions at a youth camp in Corpus Christi.
• Rookie first-round pick Caleb Downs and trade acquisition Dee Winters were among the defensive standouts at Tuesday’s practice, while cornerback Cobie Durant made a diving interception on the first play of 7-on-7 work against Dak Prescott.
• Retired 14-year veteran offensive tackle Tyron Smith has been visiting the Cowboys’ facility this offseason to help develop young linemen, with Tyler Guyton calling Smith’s mentorship on posture and technique incredibly valuable.
• Quarterbacks Joe Milton III and Sam Howell are rotating evenly for second-team reps in a backup quarterback competition that will continue through minicamp June 16-18.
• Prescott raved about Downs after spending time with him on the golf course, calling him “a true young pro” who beat both Prescott and former backup Will Grier in their round.
• First-round pick Malachi Lawrence, the 23rd overall selection from Central Florida, drew praise from veterans Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary for his technique and work ethic at OTAs.
• Guyton is officially competing with Nate Thomas for the starting left tackle job after allowing 31 pressures on Prescott during the 2025 season, with head coach Brian Schottenheimer emphasizing consistency as Guyton’s biggest challenge.
• Backup running back Phil Mafah has impressed coaches with first-team reps and a red zone touchdown, while veteran receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling picked up significant first-team work in the absence of George Pickens.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.