Dallas Cowboys: Offensive line still high draft priority

The Dallas Cowboys signed three free agent offensive linemen to solidify the trenches. Even so the front remains a high draft priority.

The recent free agency additions of Cameron Fleming (OT) and Marcus Martin (OG) were sorely needed, positive moves by the Dallas Cowboys. Both players have previous starting experience and position flex. The signings look even better lumped in with retaining quality back-up Joe Looney (OG).

Despite filling major depth chart holes, Dallas is not finished fortifying the front. Last season the Cowboys line shuffled in a new face at two starting positions. La’el Collins (RT) matured into a sturdy player after gaining game experience.

The average play of Jonathan Cooper (LG) made the line less potent than past units. Reading the tea leaves proves this won’t be the case in 2018. Dallas invested in two new receivers for Dak Prescott, and focuses their offense around Ezekiel Elliott. To assume they won’t enter training camp with an elite (on paper) starting five is simply ignoring the investment of assets.

COMBINATIONS AND FLEX NOT ENOUGH

In an attempt to maximize talent, the front office claims Fleming could start at right tackle by moving Collins back to left guard. If that grouping provides a stout starting five, great. So now who’s the swing tackle capable of making quality starts if Tyron Smith goes down again?

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Surely not Chaz Green, who allowed five sacks in the Atlanta game last year. Suffice to say, if Dallas moves Collins (or Fleming) inside, they’re out a swing tackle. This would force the use of an early round draft pick on a ready-made rookie tackle.

They also could keep Collins at right tackle (best option) and make Fleming the primary insurance swing tackle. His one-year deal supports that as well.

In this scenario they’d still need to fill the starting left guard role vacated by Cooper. Looney wasn’t a candidate last year when the spot was open, so he’s out. The only option without losing a tackle would be to start (Marcus) Martin. In doing so the Cowboys would find no improvement over the slightly declined 2017 line.

Martin replacing Cooper is a push at best, but surely not a noticeable upgrade. After all the resources being assembled on offense, Dallas won’t settle on that again. If Dallas prefers to keep the three tackles outside, they’d almost certainly draft a day one starting guard in the early rounds.

DEPTH AND DRAFT FLEXIBILITY

The Cowboys have secured a quality starting line with the current group on hand. Yet, elite status won’t result from another August playing veteran mix and match. They did accomplish three offensive line goals in free agency…capably fill holes, stack quality depth, and provide draft flexibility.

Dallas is now wisely positioned to draft the very best guard or tackle remaining on the board in the early rounds. Texas tackle Connor Williams may arrive at 19. If valued as a starter with position flex, they then could choose the best guard/tackle/swing fit for him, Collins, and Fleming.

Georgia guard Isiah Wynn may slip to 19. The projected starter would take over at left guard, Collins stays outside at tackle, and Fleming mans the swing.

Next: Ranking every top-10 pick in Cowboys'’ history

Pick 50 also has options if defense gets first crack. Either way, Dallas can choose their highest rated non-center to complete an elite starting five for the next two seasons. The Cowboys did well adding needed OL depth, yet the final piece awaits in the draft.

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