Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line continues to see new developments
By Kip Gaudette
While speculation continues as to which players will start along the Dallas Cowboys offensive line, this analyst observed a twist at the team’s minicamp.
Barring injury, the Dallas Cowboys are set at three positions along the offensive line. Tyron Smith (left tackle), Travis Frederick (center), and Zack Martin (right guard) are all returning Pro Bowlers.
The offseason departures of Doug Free (right tackle) and Ronald Leary (left guard) left holes to fill. Dallas needs strong replacements to maintain what many consider the league’s best offensive line.
La’el Collins started at left guard last year before injury struck in Week Three of the regular season. It’s a position Collins may not return to in 2017; the Cowboys are working him at right tackle during offseason programs.
It appears the biggest question remaining is; who will play left guard? DallasCowboys.com analyst Mickey Spagnola observed an unexpected move this week. Speaking on “The Blitz,” a feature broadcast from the Cowboys’ official site, Spagnola made this quick observation about the “first team” 0-line;
"“This past week, La’el Collins was at right tackle, Chaz Green was at left guard, and now we’ll see what happens in training camp when the pads come on.” – Mickey Spagnola via The Blttz"
This may be a bigger statement than it seems. Green’s main competitors for the spot, Byron Bell and Jonathan Cooper, are not known to have existing injuries.
Green himself has an extended injury history. A 2015 third round draft pick from the University of Florida, Green has only managed to play in four games.
Green’s draft profile suggests that he possesses the potential to play any spot along the offensive line, but was projected to be selected in the 5th round. The Cowboys front office apparently saw greater potential from the former Florida Gator.
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Dallas will certainly continue to tweak the left guard position. Green will need to take advantage of the opportunity given during this week’s minicamp to revive his young yet unproductive career.