The 2019 NFL Draft will be an interesting one for the Dallas Cowboys. From the outside looking in it doesn’t seem as if they have any clear “needs” that need to be addressed. But, if you were to dive deeper into their roster you’d probably discover things might not be as stable as we’d like to believe.
The Dallas Cowboys could obviously stand to upgrade several positions. So far this offseason wide receiver, tight end, and safety have been at the forefront of the discussion, but one position not being mentioned is offensive tackle. Why?
There has to be growing concerns within the organization about Tyron Smith’s inability to stay healthy for an entire season. He has a bothersome back and it has continued to make him unavailable for at least two or three games these past few seasons. How much longer can they afford to roll the dice with his back issues?
Then there is La’el Collins, who is entering a contract year in 2019. Collins’ best attribute during his time with the Cowboys is probably his availability. He’s battled through some injuries himself these past couple years, but managed to play through it. Unfortunately though, his career has been up-and-down since taking over as the starting right tackle. It’s probably time to find his successor.
Sadly, Dallas doesn’t have much offensive tackle depth behind Smith and Collins. Cameron Fleming, the Cowboys swing tackle in 2018, is now a free agent and is probably looking to join a team where he can earn a little more playing time. The only other OT candidate on the roster might be Connor Williams, but even that’s an unknown sense he’s never played tackle in the NFL.
I don’t know what the Cowboys brass thinks of all of this, but I find it more than a little concerning. We know all too well what happens when the OT play isn’t up to par. Chaz Green anyone!? That game alone against the Falcons is one we would all like to forget, but serves as a reminder of just how important it is to have an emergency plan in place.
The Cowboys of course have one or two ways of solidifying their tackle position. They can use free agency once again to find a swing tackle like they did with Cameron Fleming last year, or they can use one of their draft picks this year. The latter seems to be the wiser move, especially with Collins’ contract coming to an end.
The Dallas Cowboys may have Tyron Smith and La’el Collins as their starters for the upcoming 2019 season, but it’s never too early to start preparing for the future. That’s why it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Dallas used one of their draft picks this year on an offensive tackle. In fact, I’d encourage it.
I really like the idea of providing some competition at the RT position. If La’el Collins wins out fine. The rookie OT can then serve as the swing tackle and take over next season when Collins’ contract expires. But, if the rookie wins Collins could also be become a trade asset. Sounds like a win-win to me.
