Three reasons the Dallas Cowboys will draft an offensive lineman in top 100

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Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) and center Travis Frederick (72) and offensive guard La’el Collins (71) and tackle Tyron Smith (77) line up during the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. New York won 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

DALLAS CAN’T RISK THEIR TOP ADVANTAGE

The entire Cowboys team philosophy runs through the dominant offensive line.

The line plows the way for Ezekiel Elliott and keeps the heat off of Dak Prescott.

At the same time they help a vulnerable pass defense stay off the field for long chunks and not get overly winded.

If the Dallas OL develops a clear weak point that can be routinely overpowered by stout DL competition in the NFC East, the whole team is in serious trouble.

Like many Cowboys fans, I believe swing tackle Chaz Green can be as good or better than Free if he remains healthy to fill his starting shoes.

The problem is Green has only been healthy for four games in two pro seasons. Dallas simply cannot trust the 2017 season to that kind of injury uncertainty.

Another option is moving La’el Collins to right tackle and have newly re-signed Jonathan Cooper start in his left guard spot.

That sounds great on paper, but Dallas is Cooper’s fourth team since 2015.

The small drop-off from Ron Leary back to Collins was already concerning enough. Going from Leary to a guard three teams recently let slide is asking too much.

Bottom line, Green and Cooper are too unproven to trust maintaining the Cowboys’ top strength and team identity of dominant offensive line play.

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