The perception of the Dallas Cowboys Offensive Line as a dominant force has been more based on reputation and past performance than on reality in recent years. With prime Travis Frederick out of the mix since 2018, Tryon Smith struggling with back issues, and even Zack Martin missing time, it is no small wonder why the unit has not met expectations. This year, they have an opportunity to once again prove themselves worthy of their great reputation.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
So long as Tyron Smith and La’el Collins remain healthy, the Cowboys will have one of, if not the best, book end tackle combinations in the NFL. That statement probably sounds like a broken record to Cowboys fans by now, but it remains truer than ever. Beyond those two studs, Ty Nsekhe and Terence Steele do not inspire much confidence at this point. Rookie Josh Ball will start the year on IR, and Brandon Knight can provide depth at both Tackle and Guard.
OFFENSIVE GUARD
Zack Martin may just be the best offensive lineman in the entire NFL and is on a Hall of Fame trajectory thus far in his career. The Cowboys cannot afford to lose him for significant time again like they did last year. Connor Williams is an underappreciated asset who is a solid starter and can play multiple positions along the line (…except maybe center, not so much). The other Connor (Connor McGovern) has proven to be more than capable if he is asked to fill in at some point in the season. The versatile Brandon Knight is the other option currently on the 53 man roster.
CENTER
Tyler Biadasz looks to have a bright future at center if he can remain healthy. He played well last year before getting hurt and is the heir apparent for his fellow former Wisconsin Alumnus Travis Frederick. Rookie Matt Farniok also made the team after Connor Williams struggled to fill in at center during the preseason.
As I previously stated, the fate of the Dallas Cowboys offensive line is tied to the health of their starting tackles. I fear that losing either one of them for an extended period of time could be a problem and losing both of them, as was the case in 2020, will have disastrous consequences.
*Photo by Joe Glorioso; https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode