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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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Matt Waletzko
Mar 4, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Dakota offensive lineman Matt Waletzko (OL55) goes through drills during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Rookie Matt Waletzko has impressed the Cowboys early

This year, the Cowboys drafted Matt Waletzko in the fifth round. Right now, Waletzko stands as Ball’s primary competition at swing tackle. He started all four years at North Dakota, and at 6-8, 305 pounds is physically imposing when lined up against defensive ends.

However, coming from North Dakota, it’s reasonable to question the competition that Waletzko faced on a weekly basis. How will he fare against the bigger, quicker, and more punishing linemen he’s going to face in the NFL? That’s what the preseason is for. The early games should give the team a good indication of how prepared he might be, if he’s forced to play right away.

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1522019999275048961?s=20&t=ZjwkK971dSwDg7yRnIgYRw

Mike McCarthy gave Terence Steele 14 starts in 2020 as an undrafted rookie. He’s shown patience with younger offensive linemen in the past and he’s not afraid to let them develop and play through struggles.

Waletzko and Ball have both seen reps with the starters during OTAs. However, the early reports on Waletko, in particular, have been positive, and he’s frequently been the next man up when Tyron Smith is on the sideline. It’s obviously early, but that is a solid indicator that Waletzko could have an early edge in the swing tackle competition.

The Cowboys have yet to add a veteran into the mix. It’s possible that the Joneses may finally make additional free agent moves during the preseason when teams cut down their roster. For now, they are content to give Ball and Waletzko every chance to compete with other young players behind them. Regardless of who wins the competition at swing tackle, fans need to pay attention, because there’s a good chance they might see plenty of them this season.

Next. 4 Trades That Could Make the Cowboys Contenders in 2022. dark

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