Football
In a span of two months, both Zack Martin and Tyron Smith have retired from pro football. For years, these two have been the enforcers along the offensive line of the Dallas Cowboys, with a variety of different players cycled through to play alongside them. The team dealt with Smith’s departure last season by using a first-round pick on Tyler Guyton. The contingency plan for Martin is fourth-year interior lineman Brock Hoffman, who already has nine starts under his belt, filling in for injured players, including Martin last season.
With all the changeover along the offensive line, the Cowboys will be looking to add pieces in the upcoming draft. When they go after them is anyone’s guess as there is great talent scattered all across the draft. The Cowboys have other pressing needs and may choose to use their premium picks (rounds 1-3) on other positions, leaving any possibility of improving the offensive line in the hands of Day 3 dart throws. Is that even a reasonable possibility?
The Cowboys have seven picks on Day 3 ranging from 149 to 247. That’s a lot of darts to throw. They also have a solid track record of finding some quality linemen late in the draft. They selected Asim Richards late in the fifth round of 2023 and have found some quality undrafted free agents in Terence Steele and T.J. Bass. With a lot of dancing chips and the ability to sniff out some decent players, it’s not unrealistic to think they can find an under-the-radar upside guy. Here are four offensive linemen who could be a nice late-round find for the Cowboys.
Myles Hinton, Michigan
Between two years at Stanford and two years at Michigan, Hinton is an experienced tackle who can play on either side. He has prototypical size, moves pretty well, and has a good feel for his responsibilities. He just needs to be a little more consistent and tie things together a little better, but he shouldn’t be too far away from being able to contribute at the NFL level, even if it’s just as a reserve.
Esa Pole, Washington State
For the past two seasons, Pole has been the giant body residing at left tackle for the Cougars. As large as he is, the most impressive thing about him is how well he moves. He’s surprisingly smooth off the snap and is fun to watch in the open field, unless you’re in his path. He’s only played the game of football for a few years, so he’s definitely a development project, but his size and athleticism offer some intriguing upside.
Xavier Truss, Georgia
A starter along the Bulldogs’ offensive line over the past three seasons, Truss has played everything but center. He’s a big bruiser with a lot of power, but his balance leaves him leaning too much. He’s flashed good play, but just isn’t consistent, so he needs work. Keeping him inside can play to his strengths better and hide some of his warts.
Clay Webb, Jackson State
A highly-touted lineman out of high school, Webb started his college career at Georgia buried behind more talented players. After two seasons of spinning his wheels, he transferred to Jackson State, where his game has evolved. He’s quick off the snap, drives into the chest, and exhibits good power. His balance can be inconsistent, and he’ll need to prove he can handle tougher competition, but his strength and tenacity should draw some attention.
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