Dallas Cowboys have unprecedented depth in the trenches

With the perfect mix of stars, veterans, and youth, both the offensive and defensive lines for the Dallas Cowboys are built for success.

The Dallas Cowboys may not have the second coming of the “Great Wall” along their offensive line as they did a few years ago. They may not have a surefire Hall of Fame “war daddy” coming after the opposing quarterback as they did a few years ago either.

That does not mean that the cupboard is bare on either side of the ball, however. In fact, heading into the 2020 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys may arguably have the best depth within the trenches across the entire league.

Along the offensive line, the Dallas Cowboys still have potential future Hall of Famers at left tackle in Tyron Smith and right guard Zack Martin. La’el Collins provides them a solid right tackle and third starter. Beyond that, there are plenty of options for two starting spots, as well as the three main backups.

At left guard, third-year pro Connor Williams probably has the inside track, but depending on who man’s the middle, his competition could come from the odd man out at the center position. Long time veteran Joe Looney and last year’s third-round selection Connor McGovern will likely duke it out there while also pushing Williams at guard.

Whoever ends up on the bench between those three will be the primary backup to both guard spots as well as center. Recent addition Cameron Erving should lock down the swing tackle spot giving the Cowboys someone with 40+ career NFL starts as a backup.

Rookie Tyler Biadasz and second-year man Brandon Knight could also provide the team with excellent depth along the line. With nine viable options, most of whom also provide versatility, the Dallas Cowboys have tremendous depth along the offensive line.

Moving the attention to the defensive line, the straw that stirs the drink is definitely edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence. A complete player, Lawrence brings the heat on opposing quarterbacks while being a plus defender against the run.

The interior of the Dallas Cowboys starting defensive line is stocked with two former Pro-Bowlers in Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe. The two have combined for 80 career sacks with nine combined in 2019.

On the opposite side of Lawrence coming off the edge could be either long-time veteran Tyrone Crawford, former second-round selection Randy Gregory or former All-Pro Aldon Smith. Whoever wins the job will have great depth behind him which should keep all three fresh to hunt the quarterback.

Coming off the bench, the Dallas Cowboys can turn to former starter Antwaun Woods at defensive tackle. Last year’s second-round choice Trysten Hill and rookie Neville Gallimore will also compete for playing time. At defensive end, third-year man Dorance Armstrong, sophomore Joe Jackson, and rookie Bradlee Anae can all bring heat off the edge in spot duty.

In total, the Dallas Cowboys have 21 guys on both sides of the ball who not only should make the 55-man roster but who could also all contribute at any point during the season. If this comes to fruition, almost 40 percent of the roster will be encompassed by offensive and defensive linemen. That type of talent and depth is unprecedented in Big D and gives both fans and the organization something to be excited about heading into the 2020 season.