No one will be surprised if the Dallas Cowboys draft an offensive lineman in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. Offensive line appears to be the Cowboys biggest offseason need at this point and most expect that an interior offensive lineman will be taken. There is still a decent chance that Dallas will select an offensive tackle with La’el Collins being released and the oft injured Tyron Smith nearing the end of his career. Here are a few names that could hear their named called as the Dallas Cowboys first round selection on April 28th.
CHARLES CROSS (MISSISSIPPI STATE)
Charles Cross is considered to be one of the elite tackle prospects in the draft and a consensus top 10 pick. Seeing his name appear on the list of the Dallas Cowboys 30 visits was a bit of surprise to many as a result. Granted, he has slid of late in certain mock drafts and Jerry Jones has also hinted at being willing to trade up in this year’s draft so it is entirely plausible that the Cowboys could draft him. Cross is a young prospect but he already has an advanced understanding of the game of football. He started two seasons at left tackle against top tier competition in the SEC and would be able to step in and start at left tackle if Tyron Smith misses any time. Cross is an exceptional pass blocker and could eventually become a future Pro-Bowl tackle if he ends up being the successor to Tyron Smith.
TREVOR PENNING (NORTHERN IOWA)
Trevor Penning is an appealing prosect largely because of his size, measurables, and athleticism. He is also a tough, competitive player with a desirable attitude and work ethic. Penning does require some further development at the NFL level to truly excel but his experience playing both tackle positions and right guard could allow for him to start right away for the Cowboys if they draft him.
BERNHARD RAIMANN (CENTRAL MICHIGAN)
The Austrian born prospect is a former tight end who is still perfecting his craft as an offensive tackle. He is athletically gifted and has received praise from coaches for his character and work ethic. He has quickly adapted to switching positions in college showing remarkable improvement in his limited experience playing tackle. He is still quite raw but he is expected to continue to improve as a pro although despite being one of the older prospects in the draft.
TYLER SMITH (TULSA)
Tyler Smith is a very raw prospect compared to the rest of the names above but he has an extremely high ceiling because of his power and explosive athleticism. He will need a lot more coaching and development than any of other potential first round tackles. He is a young player and can be molded into an elite tackle or a guard for any team that decides to take a shot on his physical traits and also has the patience and ability to develop him. The general manager of the Dallas Cowboys is also the owner so the willingness to be patient is there. It is the ability to development the player that is the only question mark. I believe the Cowboys would be more apt to take a chance on this type of prospect if available outside of the first round as opposed to taking him at pick #24.
*Photo by Joe Glorioso https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode