Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Thankfully for the Dallas Cowboys, they eliminated a potential training camp competition for the No. 2 receiver spot after trading for Pittsburgh Steelers stud George Pickens.

But ... there are still multiple starting jobs that have not been clearly defined - including another opening at receiver.

These are the groups we will keep the closest eye on at training camp later this summer, because the performances in these competitions will determine who makes the 53-man roster, who gets cut, and who sees the field the most on Sundays.

Running Back

Right from the jump, this is the Cowboys' most loaded competition of all, on either side of the ball.

The running back room has seen a complete revamp after Rico Dowdle's storybook 1,000 yard season (he signed with Carolina in free agency). Through this offseason's free agency and the NFL Draft, Dallas has built a 4-man battle for RB1 rights.

The veteran signees Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders likely hold the top two spots on the depth chart based on experience. A slight edge may favor Williams for his higher past productivity and the fact that he is young, meaning he could be still taking form.

Rookie fourth-rounder Jaydon Blue from Texas is who we expect to be the best candidate to fight for the starting job based on his blazing speed and above average receiving versatility. The ball security is something he must improve during this competition.

Wide Receiver No. 3

Although the second option is now decided, there are still targets up for grabs.

Unfortunately, the addition of Pickens takes away a roster spot from someone in this very crowded receiver room.

Dallas has 13 wideouts on the roster - at the moment - so young guys like Ryan Flournoy, Jalen Brooks, and Jonathan Mingo will have their work cut out for them if they want to avoid being sent to the practice squad.

We imagine a newly-signed KaVontae Turpin and returning vet Jalen Tolbert are safe, for now.

Cornerback

This position is in a competition state largely because of injury timelines. Presumptive starter Trevon Diggs must hone in for a focused rehab to try to return before midseason.

Rookie Shavon Revel should recover fully before then, putting him in competition with sophomore Caelen Carson who is improving steadily, and the once-first-round talent Kaiir Elam who was picked up in a trade with Buffalo.

Heading into camp, a specific competition is centered around the nickle position as longtime Cowboy Jourdan Lewis left in free agency.

Special teams starter Israel Mukuamu provides length that could be useful in the slot, or Dallas could shuffle DaRon Bland back inside, opening up an outside corner spot.

Defensive Tackle (1 technique)

Joining Osa Odighizuwa, who occupies the B gaps, the Cowboys' interior defensive line should feature either Mazi Smith or rookie Jay Toia to work the middle.

Smith has not lived up to his first-round billing from a few years ago, and Toia comes from UCLA with enormous size and plug-and-play potential to plug running holes.

This competition should be a good thing for Mazi's development, physically and mentally, as he heads into a pressure-packed Year 3 where he's expected to make a jump.

Defensive End

There are a lot of options to cycle in with Micah Parsons on the end of the defensive line now that mainstay DeMarcus Lawrence is gone.

Free agency returner Dante Fowler Jr. is the expected starter at the moment, but Dallas' second-round steal in Donovan "Easy" Ezeiruaku will have something to say.

Working in Marshawn Kneeland, Payton Turner, and Sam Williams (upon return from injury) makes this group look like it can turn into a dominant rotation.

It will be a closer competition to see who gets starting reps after camp if one shows flashes of production during the season.

Linebacker

Dallas signed Jack Sanborn after his familiarity with new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus in Chicago last season. Soon after, Dallas traded for Tennessee captain linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. Either of them can start Week 1 in the middle of the defense.

Rookie Shemar James may fight for occasional reps, but we may not see the true competition at linebacker until DeMarvion Overshown recovers from his second knee injury. That should come near the midway point of the schedule.

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