We didn't learn much from the Dallas Cowboys' mandatory minicamp, but here are 5 big things we did

For the Dallas Cowboys, it's on to Oxnard, California. 

Mandatory minicamp is over and the next time the team practices together, it'll be training camp. We're getting closer and closer to the regular season but for now, it's time to recap what we learned from minicamp.

With no live contact allowed, player evaluation is tough to do. As such, our takeaways are somewhat limited. But here are five big things we did learn from Cowboys minicamp.

DaRon Bland might play in the slot

Based on multiple reports, Bland practiced in the slot for the majority of OTAs and mandatory minicamp. That could foreshadow some serious contract drama as the All-Pro cornerback is entering a contract year and the financial downside to playing inside exists. 

We'll see what the snap distribution looks like when training camp starts and once players such as Shavon Revel Jr. and Caelen Carson are healthy and ready to go. But it looks like Matt Eberflus is looking into moving Bland inside, where his career started four years ago. 

Jack Sanborn is likely to start at LB

Speaking of Eberflus' defense, multiple reporters point to Sanborn as the projected starter at middle linebacker. The former Chicago Bear knows Eberflus' scheme and even though he was a breakout candidate with the Bears, he's looking like a starter for the Cowboys.

Once Week 13 comes around—DeMarvion Overshown's projected return date—the lineup might be shaken up, but right now it looks like Marist Liufau and Sanborn will lead the way. 

George Pickens is loving the Cowboys

Pickens didn't ask to be traded to the Cowboys. Considering the attitude allegations from his days with the Pittsburgh Steelers, that could've translated to trouble. But so far, Pickens has been proving to Dallas he wants to be here and he's committed to learning the offense. 

Dak Prescott and Brian Schottenheimer have praised his work ethic and that alone says big things about Pickens, who we all know has the talent to make an impact. It seems his head is in the right space, too. 

Brian Schottenheimer is different

Keyword: Different. Not better. But he represents a change. 

Will the culture and energy that is being discussed by everyone matter in the win column? Probably not as much as fans would like it to. But it's at least refreshing to see how he's attacking the opportunity of a lifetime. You never know what to expect from head coaches but I don't judge Cowboys fans for buying into Schotty's pitch. 

Joe Milton is QB2

Milton got the majority of reps behind Dak Prescott at minicamp and OTAs, confirming that he's in line to back up Dak over veteran Will Grier. Though it was easy to assume this given the Cowboys traded for him, it's more than Trey Lance managed to do in two years with the team. 

A few more things. . .

1. Micah Parsons showed up and practiced. You've got to respect that. 
2. LB Damone Clark is getting some love from Schottenheimer.  
3. CB Kaiir Elam is backed up by the coaching staff. 
4. KaVontae Turpin lined up at RB multiple times. 
5. Israel Mukuamu is getting reps at cornerback, including on the outside.