Cowboys coaching staff hinting at O-line “best 5” ahead of mandatory minicamp

Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy addressed the media on Tuesday morning at The Star in Frisco.

He might have inadvertently revealed the coaches’ plans to perhaps the biggest question from Cowboys Nation.

What does “best five” mean in regards to the offensive line?

There are essentially only two spots on the offensive line where we can assume the plans are set.

Six time NFL All-Pro Zack Martin will not be vacating his spot at right guard, and 1x Pro Bowler Tyler Biadasz appears to have no competition at center.

That leaves left tackle and left guard in seemingly open competition.

Right tackle is likely Terence Steele’s job to lose, but he is still recovering from an ACL injury.

When asked about Steele’s availability, McCarthy responded with “We will have to see when we get to Oxnard”.

The first team lineup for OTAs (Organized Team Activities) just last week was as follows:

LT Tyler Smith
LG Matt Farniok
C Tyler Biadasz
RG Josh Ball (Zack Martin didn’t participate)
RT Tyron Smith

Mandatory minicamp is upon us, and McCarthy had an interesting comment.

First reported by Cowboys reporter Michael Gehlken, McCarthy told the media “Tyron Smith will flip from right tackle to left tackle, and Tyler Smith from left tackle to left guard”.

“Best five” has been a topic of conversation since last offseason when Dallas seemingly drafted Tyron Smith’s replacement with the 24th overall pick in the first round.

Let’s quickly examine the current “best five” taking into consideration Steele possibly not being ready for Week 1.

Cowboys OL Tyron Smith

Left Tackle

Favorite: Tyron Smith
Backup option(s): Tyler Smith

Last offseason, this was the plan like it has been since Tyron moved to left tackle in the 2012 season.

Injuries have been creeping up on Tyron along with his age.

The experiment at right tackle last season was not a huge success as many thought it would be. Steele was missed after his injury, mainly in the run game.

Left tackle is the best place on the line for Tyron to play. For as long as his body will allow him to remain on the field, that is.

The backup plan was set in motion as soon as Tyler Smith was drafted. He was immediately needed with Tyron suffering an injury in training camp.

Dallas could do much worse than Tyler as a backup left tackle, but for the purpose of this exercise, he is better suited at another position…

Cowboys OL Tyler Smith

Left Guard

Favorite: Tyler Smith
Backup option(s): Matt Farniok, Chuma Edoga

Free agency 2023 left a glaring hole at left guard on the Cowboys offensive line.

A starter for 15 games in 2022, Connor McGovern’s contract was allowed to expire without an offer, and he has since signed with the Buffalo Bills.

Tyler Smith is the natural favorite at left guard as long as his services aren’t needed at left tackle. That likely hinges on Tyron Smith’s health.

Matt Farniok took first team snaps at OTAs last week, but he also has a role as swing interior lineman. He has spent time at right guard and center as well.

The next logical option would be recently signed veteran Chuma Edoga, who took 2nd team snaps at OTAs.

I would feel comfortable with Farniok if needed, but the Cowboys’ best option at left guard is Tyler Smith.

Dallas Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz (63) prepares for the snap during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)

Center

Favorite: Tyler Biadasz
Backup option(s): Matt Farniok

Like mentioned above, there is really no competition at the center position across the Cowboys offensive line.

Biadasz is coming off of his first Pro Bowl selection, and has now entered his contract year.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he is offered an extension before the season starts to lock in the pivot position for Dak Prescott for the foreseeable future.

Farniok has spent some time at center in spells over the past couple of seasons, and would be a solid backup plan should injury befall Biadasz.

Cowboys RG Zack Martin

Right Guard

Favorite: Zack Martin
Backup option(s): Matt Farniok, Josh Ball

Right guard is the only spot on the offensive line that there is absolutely no question who will be there.

You don’t move a 6x All-Pro from his spot.

Much like the two other positions on the interior of the offensive line, Farniok is the best option.

Behind him based on signs from OTAs, newly converted guard Josh Ball could be another option.

He reportedly added bulk in the offseason in anticipation of the position move.

Ball might be listed next on the depth chart, but nothing he has shown previously gives me any confidence in his abilities.

Cowboys RT Matt Waletzko

Right Tackle

Favorite: Matt Waletzko
Backup option(s): Tyron Smith

Before you rip my head off, no I did not forget about Terence Steele. Remember, this exercise is assuming he will NOT be ready for Week 1.

Finally recovered from surgery on his injured shoulder, Waletzko was looking good and moving well.

The Cowboys believe in his abilities, and proved it by working him with the first team in OTAs.

His main backup option is oft-injured Tyron Smith, who did not exactly play up to par last season at right tackle.

Let us all hope that Steele is ready sooner than later.

Until then, this seems to be the “best five” that the Cowboys coaches keep alluding to.