Over the last few weeks of the Cowboys’ 2025 training camp, Sam Williams has received a lot of praise for his attitude and effort. On Wednesday, he got noticed for making multiple plays on the practice field. As Dallas closed out the Oxnard portion of camp, Williams left a very strong impression and ended his business in California in far grander fashion than a year ago.
In the 2024 camp, Williams suffered a torn ACL and MCL within just the first few days. He was knocked out of his pivotal third season, needing to shake some of the reputation he’d developed for immaturity both on and off the field. The pass-rushing skills were clearly there, but Williams still needed to prove he was worth long-term investment.
On Wednesday, Williams had a couple of “sacks” against the first-team offense, not actually hitting Dak Prescott but beating his blocker and getting in contact range before the ball was thrown. Then, on the final play of practice, Williams dropped back into coverage and picked off a goal-line pass intended for Jalen Tolbert. To no one’s surprise, the interception alone wasn’t enough for Williams as he turned on the jets and took it back for the hypothetical touchdown.
Williams’ drive this year is understandable. Not only is he in a contract season, but the former second-round pick missed out on a great opportunity in 2024. Williams was poised for a major share of the 2024 pass-rushing rotation after Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler followed Dan Quinn to Washington. But the knee injury stole that chance away, and now Dallas brought Fowler back this offseason and also drafted Donovan Ezeiruaku.
While he’s in no danger of not making the roster, Williams is now in a much tougher fight for snaps than he would’ve been last year. With Ezeiruaku now bringing high upside and a fresh four-year deal, Dallas will be more invested in his development. Williams is going to have to consistently outshine the rookie if he wants to stay in a significant role. More days like Wednesday will certainly help his cause.
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