Dallas Cowboys: Who will round out the offensive line?
By Tim Kohut
With the retirement of Doug Free, and the loss of Ron Leary to free agency, it’s fair to wonder who will round out the Dallas Cowboys’ 2017 offensive line.
It’s far from a secret that the Dallas Cowboys boasted one of, if not, the best offensive lines in the NFL during the 2016 regular season. However, after losing two of their five starters along the line, it’s somewhat unclear who will be rounding out the unit in 2017.
Although right tackle Doug Free was unquestionably the weak link of the Cowboys’ O-line, his veteran leadership and football I.Q. were important for the development of Dallas’ young offensive linemen. Ronald Leary proved to be and underrated asset after taking his spot back from La’el Collins in October, and the mauling guard got a well-deserved payday from the Denver Broncos.
While it was initially expected that Collins would return to his usual left guard spot, head coach Jason Garrett reportedly told the former undrafted free agent would compete with 2015 third round pick Chaz Green for the right tackle spot. Chaz Green has underwhelmed thus far in his young career, and has struggled mightily with injuries.
If Collins wins the right tackle gig, this could open the door for former first round pick Jonathan Cooper to slide into the left guard spot. Cooper has been disappointing in his three stops prior to Dallas, but being surrounded by two Pro Bowlers in Tyron Smith and Travis Fredrick could alleviate some pressure off the former top ten pick. This lineup would essentially give Dallas FIVE first round caliber picks on the o-line.
The Cowboys also signed veteran offensive tackle Byron Bell in free agency, and there’s an outside chance he could win the job at right tackle. This would allow Collins to stay at left guard, but the prevailing notion in Dallas is that Collins’ best spot is at tackle, the position he excelled at during his time at LSU. Besides, the veteran Bell provides quality insurance as the swing tackle in case of injury.
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While it remains to be seen who rounds out the Cowboy’s offensive line, Dallas doesn’t seem to be worried about the transition. With three of the best players at their respective positions in Smith, Frederick and Zack Martin, Dallas’ O-line most likely won’t take too much of a step back as a unit in 2017. But I’ve been wrong before.