Cowboys Offensive Line: Veterans over rookies so far in Training Camp

The Dallas Cowboys offensive line has become one of the key aspects of the upcoming season. After losing two mainstays and drafting two major prospects, the organization is now tasked with figuring out who starts where in 2024.

With training camp underway, we have gotten an early look at which way the coaching staff is leaning.

Despite fan excitement over rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe, the 1st-team unit has veteran Chuma Edoga at left tackle and Brock Hoffman lined up at center.

Cowboys first-team offensive line today:

LT: Chuma Edoga
LG: Tyler Smith
C: Brock Hoffman
RG: Zack Martin
RT: Terence Steele pic.twitter.com/nTxRQR67hZ

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 25, 2024

It’s early, don’t forget that, but many in the media have speculated since the draft that this would be the starting Cowboys offensive line come September.

The contrast of veteran experience and familiarity against high potential and youth is a hard choice to make, but it simply comes down to who can help you win the most football games this season.

Arguments can be made both ways, so let’s make them.

Here is an overview of the Guyton-Edoga and Beebe-Hoffman training camp battles.

The Training Camp Battle for Left Tackle

Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more critical to the Cowboys’ success than the health of superstar quarterback, Dak Prescott. That means whoever has the task of blocking his blindside must do it well.

With Tyron Smith on the New York Jets now, the left tackle spot is bound to be shakier in 2024. Training camp is going to be an audition for who can hold it down stronger.

Between the veteran Chuma Edoga, and the rookie Tyler Guyton, they both bring different things to the table.

For Edoga, this will be his sixth season in the NFL, and he has played all over the o-line during that time. With experience at both tackle and guard spots, he is a true swing-tackle who has learned from guys like Smith and Jake Matthews in Atlanta.

New #Cowboys OL Chuma Edoga all saw game action once last year - Week 11 vs CHI - but he put together some impressive snaps as a run blocker.

Beautiful combo on the 2i before climbing and erasing the MIKE LB here. pic.twitter.com/4MCoS659oZ

— John Owning (@JohnOwning) March 21, 2023

Now, if he were a high quality starting left tackle, he wouldn’t have re-signed in Dallas for just $1.2M. He has his weaknesses, that is for sure.

In the case of Guyton, he simply can’t compete with the experience Edoga has accumulated or the NFL preparedness he brings.

This kid is raw, we can’t forget that.

For all the fantastic athletic traits, size, and work-ethic; he lacks polish, technique, and potentially above-average NFL ability at this point.

Tyler Guyton out in front at LT with the second team. #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/ZfjF7jXRSt

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) July 26, 2024

This is why Edoga is the starting left tackle right now.

Tyler Guyton’s potential is far higher, and he will be better one day, but right now you run the risk of hurting his development and team performance by having him out there before he’s ready.

Center: Who Will Man The Middle?

The center spot is the most underrated position up front. If the center and the quarterback are out of sync, the entire offense is done for.

With Tyler Biadasz gone to the Washington Commanders, Dak Prescott is going to have a new lineman snapping him the ball. This is what makes the battle between Cooper Beebe and Hoffman so important this year.

Cowboys C Tyler Biadasz agreed to a contract with Commanders, a person familiar with deal said. He is the first but probably not last Cowboys player to follow Dan Quinn to Washington.

Biadasz a respected veteran who saved two turnovers in 2023 with his motor to cover and finish. pic.twitter.com/ZdC9qJOTsN

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 11, 2024

Just like with Guyton, the future of the Cowboys offensive line revolves around Beebe, but the present has Hoffman ahead of him on the depth chart.

A young player still in his own right, Brock Hoffman is heading into his third season as a former undrafted free agent from Coastal Carolina and Virginia Tech. His rise to this point has been nothing short of astounding.

After joining Dallas in 2022, the organization has seemingly fallen in love with his potential and his newly found familiarity in the building.

Additionally, his work ethic has been widely praised, and boy, is it paying off. Hoffman wants the job and clearly feels prepared to take it on, no matter who is behind him on the depth chart.

A lot of good tape from quality, swing interior backup Brock Hoffman filling in this year going back to preseason. Awesome finisher who mixes up sets and hands in pass protection. pic.twitter.com/gg7wUXdVpa

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) January 9, 2024

He holds the starting job right now, and again, with Beebe’s peak moreso in the future than the present, you can expect Hoffman to hold onto that spot for the time being.

Beebe, while a good prospect with the right demeanor and intangibles, was the 70th overall pick for a reason. He’s not as ready as a 1st-round center would be, and it could be a disservice to the Cowboys offensive line to use him immediately.

Expect the Dallas Cowboys to see what they have in Brock Hoffman before handing the keys to Cooper Beebe as the eventual long-term center.