The Dallas Cowboys have drafted a third offensive lineman in their 2024 draft class.
Nathan Thomas, an offensive tackle from Louisana is headed to Dallas.
This draft pick means they have now spent four of their picks on offensive players while spending three on the defensive side.
At this point in the draft, you aren't looking for starters, but you are looking for elite-trait-oriented guys who could develop into starters.
That perfectly describes Thomas.
He is a lengthy offensive lineman, standing 6′ 5″, 332 lbs, with over 33″ inch arms and 83″ wingspan.
The Cowboys are selecting Louisiana-Lafayette OT Nathan Thomas with pick No. 233 in the seventh round.
Traits, length, and a mauler in the run game. 6-foot-5, 323 pounds makes him one of the biggest tackles on the roster. Potential guard flex and a high ceiling.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) April 27, 2024
There is also a lot of experience that comes with Thomas, as he started 25 games in his collegiate career at left tackle.
Potential is the word to describe this pick, and in the 7th round, that's what you want.
How Will The O-Line Look?
Clearly, a focus has been placed by the Cowboys on the offensive line in this class.
Now the question is how will they use these draftees and their existing talent to shape up the line heading into the season.
We know who the starters will likely be, but there is still some debate.
Will it be Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Zack Martin, and Terence Steele?
Cowboys projected OL depth chart:
LT: Tyler Guyton, Asim Richards
LG: Tyler Smith, Chuma Edoga
OC: Cooper Beebe, Brock Hoffman
RG: Zack Martin, TJ Bass
RT: Terence Steele, Matt Waletzko
So much versatility in the #Cowboys OL room. The backups can play multiple spots. pic.twitter.com/BAlH61l9pZ
— Dominic White (@DomWWhite) April 27, 2024
Probably, but you also have to consider names like T.J. Bass, Brock Hoffman, and now Thomas into the mix.
The team also re-signed veteran Chuma Edoga, who plays a swing tackle kind of role.
I think we will see Thomas behind Edoga for that role as he continues to learn, develop, and turn his elite traits into real production and ability.
Thomas is going to be a long-term project for Dallas, not an immediate contributor even if guys go down to injury.
While that may not be the most exciting thing in the short term, we have to look at it from a future point of view.
Who develops young, raw, yet toolsy offensive linemen better than the Cowboys?
Almost nobody, and that is proven most recently by Smith, who became an All-Pro in his second season.
I'm not saying Thomas will turn into a guy like Smith.
However, Steele, the starter at right tackle and a guy who earned a major extension from Dallas back in September 2023, was an undrafted free agent with elite traits.
Confirmed (via team):
Terence Steele and the #Cowboys have agreed to terms on a five-year extension worth $86.8 million with $50 million guaranteed.
Steele climbs from the ranks of UDFA and through a torn ACL to generational wealth — the latest in a spree of Dallas deals.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) September 3, 2023
I think that kind of path is what the Cowboys are hoping for with Thomas.
Let him sit, learn, practice, and use these elite, developmental traits to his advantage.
If he does, perhaps he could be the next Steele.
