Dating back as far as this time last year, there have been questions surrounding the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line. The questions never really stopped at any point during the 2022 season.
Tyron Smith’s injury, rookie Tyler Smith’s addition to the main rotation, and the constant shuffling of the line throughout the season led to increasing inconsistency and uncertainty as the year went on.
The recent signing of Chuma Edoga addressed an issue from which many fans had been distracted.
Since the season ended, most discussions revolved around coaching changes, McCarthy’s play-calling, and recently, the acquisitions of Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks. None of those things will have their desired impact, however, without a strong offensive line that also has depth.
Even with Edoga on the roster, the Cowboys should still make a move to add more depth. The offensive line issues the Cowboys faced, especially towards the end of the season, are more than what can be solved with one acquisition.
Picking up a new piece in the NFL draft wouldn’t be the worst idea. Here are a few prospects the Cowboys should consider if they go that route.
PETER SKORONSKI, OT
Peter Skoronski is a 6’4″, 315 lb offensive tackle from Northwestern. According to Next Gen Stats, he was the 4th most athletic tackle at this year’s NFL Combine but the best overall OT prospect based on their scoring system.
So far, most draft analysts predict he’ll be picked up by the Bears, the Titans, or the Lions, all of whom have picks before the Cowboys in the first round of the draft.
In college, all of Skoronski’s snaps came at left tackle, protecting his quarterback’s blindside. However, he has traits and as skill set that some believe qualify him to start at any position on an NFL O-Line.
His biggest drawback in the tackle position is his arm length. His arm length is recorded at 32.25 inches, almost 2 inches below the NFL average. This is why he’s often considered to be a better prospect for the guard position. Even RAS scored him higher as a guard than as a tackle.
Peter Skoronski is a nimble technician with good instincts. The best positional fit for him as a pro may have to be figured out by moving him around. Luckily, Dallas is no stranger to that method.
MATTHEW BERGERON, OT
I’ll admit that I wasn’t initially too high on this particular prospect. Almost every evaluation of Bergeron cites problems or inconsistencies in pass protection. Personally, I’d like the Cowboys to focus on finding people who will keep Dak Prescott clean and upright.
However, even the best offensive lineman are like cast iron skillets. They won’t be at their best until they’re well-seasoned.
According to Dominic White of Pick 6 Sports, Bergeron has all the athletic gifts necessary to develop into a solid pass blocker and do wonders for the run game in the mean time.
White’s observations are consistent with those over analysts. He’s athletic with pro-level run-blocking abilities, and his pass blocking issues are correctable.
Bergeron’s pass blocking issues lie mostly his footwork and hand placement. On the flipside, he has the ability to stay connected to rushers, and he can ride them up the arc as well. His run-blocking technique leaves almost no room for criticism, and he is known to make his blocks against second-level linebackers.
Bergeron could indeed turn out to be a steal.
O’CYRUS TORRENCE, OG
O’Cyrus Torrence is a “country-strong” Louisiana native who pass blocks as well as he run blocks. If you know me, then you know those traits alone are reasons enough for me to love this guy.
At 6’5″, 330 lbs, his broad-chested build is what NFL teams are looking for in an offensive lineman. His ability to use his size to has advantage somewhat makes up for the lack of quickness in his feet.
Torrence spent the first few years of his college career at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. While there, he spent time a chunk of time on specific skills to improve at pass protection. It seems like the efforts were fruitful since he did not allow a single sack during his three years at ULL.
Torrence’s decision to transfer to Florida gave him the opportunity to line up against the likes of Georgia’s Jalen Carter. His ability to hold his own in such matchups is what started to create more of a buzz around his potential as a pro.
Projected to be one of the top guards to go in this year’s draft, Torrence is one of those prospects that analysts predict will fall outside of the Cowboys’ range. It’ll be interesting to see how the chips fall once teams are on the clock.