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Dallas Cowboys 2018 NFL Draft: Offensive lineman at #19?

By Steven Mullenax

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) poses for a photo with Tyron Smith, #9 overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys, on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) poses for a photo with Tyron Smith, #9 overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys, on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /
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Here, we state our case for the Dallas Cowboys drafting yet another offensive lineman with their first round selection, this time in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Between 2011 and 2014, the Dallas Cowboys used three of their four first round draft picks on offensive lineman. And all three of those picks resulted in the Cowboys possessing one the most dominate offensive lines in the NFL.

Left tackle Tyron Smith, center Travis Frederick and right guard Zack Martin have a combined 11 Pro Bowl nominations between them and they’ve been named first team All-Pros five times. It is likely the most talented positional group in all of football.

But the Cowboys offensive line is far from perfect. Beyond their trio of All-Stars, Dallas has some major issues to address this offseason. The two biggest being: Securing a starter at left guard and adding depth to the roster via a suitable reserve swing tackle.

As for left guard, the Cowboys could try to re-sign Jonathan Cooper, a current free agent who played well enough last season to earn another contract. That would still leave a need at swing tackle. But would Dallas dare to use their first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to select one? Here are five reasons they just might.

#1. Team Need

First and foremost, it’s would fill a major team need. Especially if the prospect could start at left guard and be moved to either tackle position in a pinch. If you are using a first round pick on an offensive lineman, you’ll likely have a very good chance of landing a player that is this versatile.

#2. Tyron Smith’s Health

Although he’s only 27-years old, Smith has already played seven NFL seasons. And the last one was his worst when it came to nagging injuries. The most worrisome being a back issue he’s been dealing with for some time now. You get the sense injuries could be a reoccurring theme for the rest of Smith’s career. If that’s so, and his body continues to break down, investing in his eventual replacement now might be a wise move.

#3. Track Record

The Cowboys have a great track record for scouting offensive line talent. Why not let them continue to utilize that ability and add yet another Pro Bowler to this team?

#4. Back End Talent

At the 19th overall pick, Dallas is unlikely to find the best quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, pass rusher, cornerback or safety in this draft class. But at that point in the first round, there’s a good chance that the top guard/tackle would be available.

Next: 4 Dallas Cowboys you’ve already forgotten about

#5. No More Tacos

Last year’s first round selection by the Dallas Cowboys was Michigan defensive end Taco Charlton. Although Taco showed flashes towards the end of the season, he was a prospect the Cowboys had a second round grade on and considered to be a raw, developmental project. Dallas doesn’t need another project at #19. You need a player who can contribute and play significant minutes if need be. That player might just be an offensive lineman.

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