When the Dallas Cowboys surprisingly released La'el Collins in March, having Terence Steele to turn to as the new starting right tackle was a major part of the decision. But does that mean Steele is just going to be handed the job in 2022 or could he still face competition?
Steele has had a stunning ascent the last two years, going from an undrafted free agent in 2020 to a presumptive starter this season. He's been praised for his work ethic and coachability and has proven he can hold his own at right tackle in when called upon.
There's good reason to hope that Terence will only get better as the full-time starter. It will give him more practice time with the rest of the first-team offense, meaning more reps playing next to Zack Martin and building chemistry.
Knowing you're the guy going into each game is a far different mental and emotional approach than the kid hoping for a shot as the backup. And though Steele has started 27 games the last two years due to Collins and Tyron Smith's injuries, he's never had an entire offseason to prepare for the starting role.
Still, should we already be locking Terence in as the starting RT in 2022?
The Cowboys have invested two mid-round picks the last few years at offensive tackle; Josh Ball with a 2021 4th-rounder and then a 5th-round pick on Matt Waletzko just a week ago. Should it be a shock if one of these guys pushed Steele for his job?
Ball is especially intriguing. He might've been a Day 2 pick in 2021 if not for personal concerns related to a domestic abuse accusation in college. There is reason to think his eventual ceiling for development is higher than Steele's.
Josh got the NFL's equivalent of a redshirt season last year when Dallas used a preseason ankle injury to stash him on injured reserve. But he did get the offseason to work with the coaches and trainers and will now return to build on that.
While the fresh-faced rookie of the bunch, North Dakota's Matt Waletzko is being billed as a great physical prospect who needs plenty of technical improvements. Jerry Jones already mentioned him as a swing tackle candidate for 2022, but what if he really takes to coaching and makes big strides in training camp?
The point here is that Terence Steele's hold on the starting right tackle job may not be as tight as you think. Yes, the Cowboys were willing to make La'el Collins a salary cap casualty based on Steele's presence. But the real question is if Steele is just seen as “good enough” or as something more?
Thankfully, Dallas at least has two young prospects with upside to consider if Steele gives them reasons for concern. And depending on how the next four months go, who's to say what could happen before we get to Week One?
Remember, it was a shock when Terence Steele started the 2020 season opener. Cam Fleming was here to be the veteran swing tackle but Dallas went with the UDFA, announcing it just hours before kickoff.
Steele may be the safe bet to start in 2022. However, his own career is proof that the Cowboys are willing to buck expectations in the name of youth and upside. If Josh Ball or Matt Waltezko give them a reason, they just might do it again.
