The Dallas Cowboys may have added Cameron Fleming, Marcus Martin, and re-signed Joe Looney to add depth to their offensive line, but it hasn’t seemed to stop them from working out some the top OL prospects in this year’s draft class. The same can be said for the wide receiver position, but that’s a discussion for another time.
Today, I want to focus on the top OL prospects and how they fit with the Cowboys. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they drafted another offensive lineman in the first few rounds in the 2018 NFL Draft. In fact, I think one of these OL prospects could end up being their top ranked player when they are on the clock at 19.
Below I have ranked my top 5 OL prospects for the Dallas Cowboys, excluding Quinton Nelson, because I don’t think he makes it out of the top 10. But, he would be a no-brainer if he is somehow available.
OT/OG Isaiah Wynn, Georgia
I’m a big fan of Isaiah Wynn and believe he would be a perfect fit with the Dallas Cowboys. I think he is a plug-and-play player and would be an immediate upgrade at the vacant left guard position. I would have no problem if he was the Cowboys selection at 19.
What I really like about the former Georgia Bulldog, is the fact that he has the versatility to play offensive tackle as well. The only reason he will likely be kicked inside to OG is because off his lack of desired length to play on the outside as a tackle in the NFL.
This versatility could really intrigue the Dallas Cowboys, especially with the recent concerns about Tyron Smith’s health due to reoccurring back problems. Hopefully, those are behind him, but Isaiah Wynn’s ability to kick outside only adds to his already impressive skill set.
C/OG James Daniels, Iowa
I find it a little bit hard to believe, but James Daniels is still somehow flying under the radar in regards to one of the best OL prospects in this year’s draft class. But luckily, the Dallas Cowboys are well aware of him and have already shown an interest in the former Iowa Hawkeye.
Like Isaiah Wynn, I believe James Daniels is a plug-and-play player and would immediately upgrade the Cowboys LG position. His fluid movement would allow him to excel in the Cowboys zone blocking scheme, but he also has functional power to hold up at the point of attack.
What I really like about James Daniels though is his versatility to play center as well, which might be his best position. He would provide valuable depth behind Travis Frederick if the unthinkable were to happen. That could prove to be invaluable.
OG Will Hernandez, UTEP
Will Hernandez has been linked to the Dallas Cowboys on several occasions this offseason. Not only would he fill a clear need at LG, but he has already created a bond with a few of the Cowboys offensive lineman and has been seen hanging out with them in public.
Hernandez doesn’t quite offer the same kind of versatility as other offensive lineman on this list. What sets him apart from other prospects though is his the tenacity and meanness he plays with in both pass protection and blocking in the running game. It’s something that could be infectious.
Personally, Will Hernandez would probably be the last offensive lineman I would consider drafting 19th overall if I were the Dallas Cowboys. Everybody else on this list is someone I would consider in a trade down scenario.
C/OG Billy Price, Ohio State
Billy Price is kind of a mixture between James Daniels and Will Hernandez. He has the same kind of versatility to play either guard or center like Daniels, but he has a nastiness about his game like Hernandez.
For the Cowboys, he would fill the void between Travis Frederick and Tyron Smith at LG. He would also become Frederick’s primary backup.
Price plays with tremendous power and strength, but is sometimes impatient as a blocker, which can cause him to lunge at defenders. He will have to clean that up at the next level, otherwise savvy defensive lineman will take advantage of him.
OT/OG Connor Williams, Texas
University of Texas players had their Pro Day yesterday and the Dallas Cowboys had plenty of their people in attendance.
Connor Williams was supposedly one of the standouts yesterday and was put through drills at all five offensive line positions. I personally think Williams may need to be kicked inside to OG in the NFL. He has the same lack of length as previously the mentioned Isaiah Wynn.
Like Wynn, Williams could be an insurance policy for Tyron Smith if he continues to have back issues. Unfortunately, Williams is a bit of an enigma as a prospect. Judging by his 2016 tape, he likely would’ve been a top 15 pick, but 2017 hurt his draft stock. He struggled with injuries and it probably impacted his performance.
* Honorable mention – OG Austin Corbett, Nevada
I almost put Austin Corbett in my top five, but decided to go with Connor Williams instead. But, I didn’t feel right leaving him out altogether. I think Corbett could be in play for the Cowboys with their second-round selection at 50th overall. I believe he would be able to step in and start at left guard as a rookie, and he has experience at tackle as well.
