Top 5 non-QB draft picks for the Dallas Cowboys in 2021

1. Penei Sewell, OL, Oregon

Outside of the possible exception of Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Oregon’s offensive lineman Penei Sewell is widely considered the most talented player in this draft class. Considering the dire nature of the Dallas Cowboys offensive line this year (some say it has cracked) and the fact that the best strategy in the NFL Draft is generally to select the best player on the board Sewell has found himself atop this list.

The Cowboys offensive line has long been the backbone of its success. That fact was due to the teams’ deliberate strategy to invest a substantial amount of draft capital into the unit. The organization starting this process in 2011 when it selected left tackle Tyron Smith in the first round. That was the beginning of the “Great Wall of Dallas 2.0.”

However, what was once a strength for America’s Team has now turned into a liability. The organization is missing its starting left tackle Tyron Smith, starting right tackle La’el Collins, and has an array of other injuries on the unit. The seven-time pro-bowler Smith has been plagued with injuries over his past several seasons.

The team has struggled to protect its passers and has struggled to establish the run as a consequence of this decay. Sewell would begin to mark the reversal of this troubling trend and would sure up what is arguably the teams’ most important unit.

The Oregon Duck offensive lineman would be a terrific addition to the Dallas Cowboys. He could provide quarterback Dak Prescott, who will be coming off a season-ending ankle injury, some protection in the pocket. At first, the team could fit Sewell in as a guard until it is time for him to replace the aging Smith at what is arguably the most important job in football, protecting a quarterback’s blindside.