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Cowboys most important 2022 camp battle isn’t what you are expecting

By Mitch Larson

May 14, 2022; Frisco, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Matt Waletzko (71) and guard Isaac Alaarcon (60) and offensive tackle Amon Simon (61) and offensive tackle Tyler Smith (73) and center Alec Lindstrom (65) and center Braylon Jones (62) walk on the field during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2022; Frisco, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Matt Waletzko (71) and guard Isaac Alaarcon (60) and offensive tackle Amon Simon (61) and offensive tackle Tyler Smith (73) and center Alec Lindstrom (65) and center Braylon Jones (62) walk on the field during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Josh Ball, Cowboys
Josh Ball (76) and Terence Steele (78) Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports /

So who might step up as the Cowboys’ swing tackle in 2022?

In 2021, Dallas selected Josh Ball out of Marshall with their fourth-round pick. At the pro level, Ball is still a big unknown. Last year, an early ankle injury derailed his rookie year and forced him to sit out the season without so much as a preseason snap.

Ball has flashed talent before, but he also has a long history of violent and disturbing off-the-field behavior that calls into his question his place on this roster. Notably, he started his college career as a left tackle for Florida State University before being removed from the team, heading to community college, and then ultimately being drafted by the Cowboys out of Marshall. It’s unclear whether he can turn things around with Dallas.

Another option is Hard Knocks fan-favorite, Isaac Alarcón, who is still with the team and will try and push for a spot on the roster. He joined the Cowboys in 2020 as part of the International Player Pathways Program and spent 2021 on the practice squad.

Additionally, the Cowboys brought in tackle Aviante Collins. He was waived by the Steelers early last season but he does have a single career start to his name. That is more than we can say for anyone else competing for playing time at swing tackle.

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