Projected front runners on offense to make the Cowboys 53-man roster

The offensive line has been disrespected to where I just have to say something. The narrative on the Dallas Cowboys losing of Dak Prescott last season made the injuries of the offensive line a national non-story.

The fact is the team suffered so many injuries on the offensive line that some people, who cover the league, have forgotten how good the Cowboys line can be. I’m sure the offensive line will be really good again if healthy but the credit will undoubtedly go to the skill players as usual.

I fully expect bookends Tyron Smith and La’el Collins to produce some serious Pro Bowl campaigns and If healthy I have no doubt right guard  Zack Martin is still the best guard in football. Those three should receive their nominations but there is another guy I have my eye on.

Center Tyler Biadiasz has received some high praise this offseason from people who normally don’t speak. That gives me confidence that he will be able to excel with those who surround him. Speaking of being surrounded, I feel like the Connor Williams hate should be revisited.

I am guilty of this also as I have always looked to replace Williams as the team’s starting left guard. Williams has quietly become one of the better guards in this league. Considering the team has great bargain deals with their starting tackles, having another great deal starting at left guard is grossly underappreciated.

I, like many, expect this to be the team’s starting five upfront. The swing tackle will probably end up going to free-agent signee Ty Nsekhe. Connor McGovern is my choice for the primary backup guard but he could receive some serious competition from Brandon Knight.

Knight started a handful of games at tackle for Dallas and earlier in the season, he looked like he could actually handle the job moving forward. The injury bug bit him mid-season and he didn’t look the same late as he did earlier in the year.

There are some like me that might think he could be a better guard than tackle. Versatility is key when it comes to game day activations and having a backup guard that can also play tackle in a pinch is a great way to show your worth.

Connor McGovern played center his first year in college and the team did draft and move Matt Forniok over to center so I think the backup center answer won’t come until after the first couple games of the preseason.

McGovern is probably the backup center but that could flip flop with Forniok if he makes a case during camp. This is a position where the Dallas Cowboys could address if things do not pan out. An injury to either of these guys could prompt the team to bring back fan-favorite interior lineman Joe Looney.

Tackle’s Terrance Steele and Mitch Hyatt will likely battle for the final roster spot and it is unfortunate that Hyatt suffered a major knee injury last season as it would have been good to see him get some much-needed live action.

Steele has to show that he didn’t waste the offseason. He had a head start over Hyatt who was rehabbing from a major knee injury so that battle is one to watch during camp. If Steele doesn’t show he is better than Hyatt when camp starts, it could be a long summer.

Lineman (10) (25)

• Tyron Smith (LT1)
• Connor Williams (LG1)
• Tyler Biadasz (C1)
• Zack Martin (RG1)
• La’el Collins (RT1)
• Ty Nsekhe (LT2)
• Connor McGovern (LG2)
• Matt Farniok (C2)
• Brandon Knight (RG2)
• Terrance Steele (RT2)