Dallas Cowboys: 5 players that must step up in 2021
player. 123. . . . Connor Williams - LG. 4
The Dallas Cowboys lost the majority of their offensive line to injuries last season. Of the five starters, only one played the entire season. That was left guard Connor Williams.
He was Dallas’ second-round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft and has been the starter since. While he is not a bad lineman, he does need some work.
As a run-blocker, you will see six feet and five inches hauling around 298 pounds of muscle to clear anything in the way. As a pass blocker, you will see that size shrink to that of a running back getting tossed around.
Williams is a power blocker that likes using his momentum to overwhelm defensive linemen. That’s why it makes sense that he excels as a run-blocker.
In the passing game, his lack of balance and agility is on display. Look at what happened in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. Williams beat a three-time defensive player of the year, Aaron Donald, on running plays, but close your eyes when the ball got snapped on a passing play.
He can be at least an above-average lineman. Thus far, he has been average. His development will be needed next season.
The Cowboys will likely start sophomore Tyler Biadasz at the center. While Biadasz played well, he is no Travis Frederick. Williams must be able to step up himself rather than relying on his teammates.
Left tackle, Tyron Smith, has battled injuries throughout his entire ten-year career. He hasn’t played in a full season since 2016 and played in only two games last season. That is very concerning for a 30-year-old.
With Frederick gone and questions surrounding the health of Smith, Williams must be able to hold his own. If not, then the offensive line will collapse as it did last season.
The former Longhorn needs to work on pass protection. When he gets that sorted out, the Cowboys will be one of the best offensive lines in the league once again.