The Dallas Cowboys have a rich history of offensive linemen full of present and future Hall of Famers. Judging who among them deserves to be ranked greatest in franchise history is no easy task, especially for a position that includes 5 of 11 starters on offense. Unlike other positions, statistical comparisons cannot be used as a barometer and often the success of the entire offensive line impacts how an individual lineman is judged. Despite the aforementioned difficulties, I have attempted to compile a list of the greatest offensive linemen in Dallas Cowboys history divided into 2 categories: Tackles and Interior Linemen.
Top 5 Offensive Tackles
Honourable Mention: Pat Donavan (1975-1983)
5. Erik Williams (1991-2000)
Erik Williams was the most dominant offensive lineman in the famous “Great Wall of Dallas” from the 90’s dynasty. His intense physical play and aggression earned him a reputation as one of the meanest, roughest and toughest
competitors in the league. His rivalry with Reggie White was well documented as he was one of the few players in the league that could handle the All-World defensive end and get under his skin. He may have become the greatest offensive lineman in team history if it were not for the nearly career ending injuries he suffered in a devastating car accident early in his career. He would still go on to become one of the greatest lineman in team history with 4 Pro-Bowl appearances, 3 All-Pro nods, and he was a 3x Super Bowl Champion.
4. Flozell Adams (1998-2009)
Flozell Adams is the forgotten man when discussing the greatest linemen in team history. He was often criticized for incurring false start penalties, which may have been attributed to the fact that he was partially deaf in one ear but he quietly became one of the better tackles in the entire league. He flourished under coach Bill Parcels and was voted to the pro-bowl 5 times in his career. His value was never more evident than when he was injured in the divisional playoff game in 2010 against the Minnesota Vikings and the Cowboys offensive completely unraveled without him.
3. Tyron Smith (2011-Present)
Tyron Smith was the 9th overall pick in the loaded in 2011 draft and he has not disappointed. He has become the best and most dominant offensive lineman in the entire league and he looks and plays the part. NFL analyst Ross Tucker describes him best as follows “If you went into a computer lab and tried to create the perfect prototype tackle, it would be him. Smith does things to guys — toys with them, humbles them — that you honestly shouldn’t be able to do to people in the NFL.” (Flemming) The only thing holding Smith back has been exactly that, his back. He has had to deal with a chronic back issue that has troubled him the last few years and forced him to miss some time. If the 5x pro-bowler can overcome those back issues he will be well on his way to Canton one day.
Ralph Neely (1965-1977)
Ralph Neely made an immediate impact with the Cowboys becoming a starter as a rookie. He continued to flourish at tackle and was named to the NFL’s 1960’s All-Decade team. Neely was known for his athleticism and quickness helping him earn All-Pro honours on 4 occasions along with being named to 2 Pro-Bowls. Many Cowboy fans believe the 2x Super Bowl champion should join his teammate Rayfield Wright in Hall of Fame.
1. Rayfield Wright (1967-1979)
Wright was the anchor of the offensive line for the great Cowboys dynasty of the 70’s. He was drafted as a tight end but converted to offensive tackle early into his NFL career. His first start was famously against one of the premier defensive ends of his era Deacon Jones. Wright stood his own against Jones and never looked back after that propelling himself to 6 Pro-Bowls, 6 All-Pro honours and he won 2 Super Bowls. He was the first Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman to be voted into the Hall of Fame. Wright was powerful, consistent and light on his feet and due to those traits he is considered by some the greatest lineman in franchise history.
Top 5 Interior Linemen
Honourable Mention: Mark Stepnoski (1989-1994), Mark Tuinei (1983-1997)
5. Travis Frederick (2013-Present)
When the center out of Wisconsin Travis Frederick was drafted by the Cowboys in the 1st round in 2013, it was an unpopular and highly criticized move. Fast forward to 2018 and no one is complaining about selecting the 4x consecutive Pro-Bowler and 3x All-Pro. Frederick became a starter as a rookie and immediately solidified the interior offensive line. He is one of the main reasons the Cowboys transformed from one of the worst offensive lines in the league to the best offensive line in the league. “Fredbeard” is the best at his position in the NFL and one of the most valuable players on the entire team.
4. Zack Martin (2014-Present)
The year after the Cowboys drafted Travis Frederick, they selected Zack Martin out of Notre Dame and the key components of the new “Great Wall of Dallas” were in place. Martin made an immediate impact helping the Cowboys win the division and earning All-Pro and Pro-Bowl honours in his rookie seaason. Martin has gone on to make the Pro-Bowl and become an All-Pro every year he has played in the league thus far. Widely regarded as the best guard in the NFL, the sky is the limit for Martin who is well on his way to earning a gold jacket in Canton some day.
3. Nate Newton (1986-1998)
Nate Newton was a colourful character in his playing days and he became a Cowboys fan favorite. He was often on the butt end of jokes about his weight but on the field he was NO joke. He went toe to toe with some of the best defensive tackles in the game like Reggie White and Dana Stubblefield and more than just held his own. Despite his size he could move exceptionally well. When he would pull and lead block for Emmitt Smith, it was an absolute nightmare for opponents to see a freight train like Newton barreling down on them. Newton was a 6x Pro-Bowler, 2x All-Pro and won 3 Super Bowls with the Cowboys in the 90’s.
2. John Niland (1966-1974)
John Niland had to face Cowboys legendary defensive tackle Bob Lilly in practice everyday and it helped him become one of the premier guards in the NFL during his career. He made 6 Pro-Bowls and was named an All-Pro 3x during his illustrious career. His performance in Super Bowl VI against the Dolphins helped the Cowboys accumulate over 250 rushing yards and earn the franchises 1st Super Bowl victory.
1. Larry Allen (1994-2005)
Larry Allen is widely considered the greatest offensive lineman in Dallas Cowboys history but he is also considered one of the greatest offensive linemen in the history of the NFL. He may have been the most powerful man that ever played. In fact he could bench press over 700 lbs and yet he possessed enough speed to chase down and tackle a linebacker if his team turned the ball over! Allen was named to the Pro-bowl an incredible 11 times and earned All-Pro honours on 7 occasions. He is truly one of the greats to ever play the game and without a doubt the greatest interior lineman and offensive lineman in Dallas Cowboys history.
Flemming, David; How Dallas built the NFL’s 1,586-pound MVP, ESPN, December 20, 2016 http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18286676/how-dallas-o-line-even-more-ezekiel-elliott-dak-prescott-carried-cowboys-back-top-nfl-2016
All data and statistics obtained and verified from https://www.pro-football-reference.com/
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