Cowboys triple down on OL with Nathan Thomas: Instant grade and analysis

The Dallas Cowboys offensive line was a major problem last season even though it boasted ample star-power. Despite already spending two high picks on a tackle and center, the Cowboys used their first pick of the seventh round, No. 233 overall, on Louisiana tackle Nate Thomas.

You have to love Dallas continuing to invest in its offensive line. It's expected that Tyler Guyton will start at left tackle and third-round pick Cooper Beebe will compete for the starting center job.

Thomas will be happy just to make the 53-man roster, but it's not like he has a blockade of former draft picks in his way. After all, the Cowboys' recent OL investments haven't panned out. Matt Waletzko, Josh Ball and Matt Farinok -- all day three picks -- are buried at the bottom of the depth chart.

This gives Thomas a serious chance at making the team in year one.

Cowboys NFL Draft grade for Nate Thomas selection: B

A towering 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, Thomas steps in as one of the biggest tackles on the roster. He's regarded as a mauler in the run game. He might not have the athletic profile to play tackle in the NFL (his slide quickness isn't up to snuff), but the Cowboys won't turn their nose up at more help along the interior.

The Cowboys' draft has been all about adding bullies to the roster. Thomas checks that box, as he was the highest-graded tackle in the country last year in run-blocking grade on gap-scheme run concepts, per PFF. He finished ahead of first-round picks Taliese Fuaga, Joe Alt and Amarius Mims.

Another theme of Dallas' draft? Value? Thomas checks both boxes, as NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein had Thomas as a fourth-round prospect. This marks the fifth or sixth time that the Cowboys drafted a player that was markedly higher on the draft expert consensus board.

Thomas is another rock-solid pick by Dallas, which is putting together a fantastic draft with one selection remaining.

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