The Landry Hat
Fansided

Ranking the Top 10 Dallas Cowboys going into 2017

By Bryan Spielman

Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during the game against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during the game against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Feb 4, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; (From left to right) Dallas Cowboys players Zack Martin, Tyron Smith, and Travis Frederick pose for photos in the press room after winning the Built Ford Tough Offensive Line of the Year in the press room during the 6th Annual NFL Honors at Wortham Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; (From left to right) Dallas Cowboys players Zack Martin, Tyron Smith, and Travis Frederick pose for photos in the press room after winning the Built Ford Tough Offensive Line of the Year in the press room during the 6th Annual NFL Honors at Wortham Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

3: Zack Martin – Right Guard

Spoiler alert! The top three Cowboys are all members of their vaunted offensive line. I’ll admit separating them was an incredibly hard task that took a lot of thought.

Zack Martin ended up coming in third, which on this roster is a hell of an accomplishment. He is a bulldozer at right guard, paving the way for running backs to get huge chunks of yardage on the inside of the defense. Remember that 60 yard run by Elliott against Cincinnati?

To separate the three offensive linemen, I had to nitpick a little. The reason Martin ended up third is that every once in a while he will be late in helping either the tackle or center in pass protection. It occasionally results in Dallas giving up a sack, slowing down the offense. Regardless, Martin is an All-Pro player and one of the cornerstones of the franchise.

2: Travis Frederick – Center

Travis Frederick was this close to claiming the top spot on the list. He’s the most consistent offensive lineman I’ve ever seen, playing with near perfect technique that allows him to position defensive linemen and linebackers however he wants. Couple this with his great lower body strength, and it’s easy to see why Frederick is a dominant run blocker.

As the leader of the offensive line, Frederick is responsible for calling out protections in the passing game. He is one of the smartest centers in the NFL and almost always puts the group in the right spots. Furthermore, Frederick has only given up four sacks in his career, and zero since 2014.

Frederick is the perfect center for today’s NFL, unfortunately that only gets him second on this list.

1: Tyron Smith – Left Tackle

Tyron Smith is the best offensive lineman in the NFL and the best player on Dallas’ roster. He was first team All-Pro last season while dealing with a neck stinger, a back injury, and a MCL sprain at different points in the season. He is the dominant force on the Cowboys’ offensive line, giving them amazing pass protection and an unstoppable run blocker.

What is absolutely terrifying for defensive linemen is the fact that Smith is only 26 years old. Meaning he hasn’t reached the peak of his career. As he continues to improve on his technique, it will only amplify his amazing athleticism and strength. He can already stonewall any pass rusher and move any run stopper, so you can only imagine how much better Smith can get.

Next: Seven Dallas Cowboys who could be traded or released

Despite his young age, Smith is already on pace for the Hall of Fame. His production over the last few seasons is incredibly impressive and he has the potential to become one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history.

Home/Cowboys News