Changing Faces: Dallas Cowboys’ Offensive Line Revamp

The Dallas Cowboys have always relied on their strong offensive line, which has featured standout players in the past. However, this year we will see changes as Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz have departed in free agency.

Tyron Smith has joined the New York Jets to protect Aaron Rodgers, while Tyler Biadasz has followed former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to the Washington Commanders. As a result, the Cowboys have two key positions to fill and have opted to address these vacancies through the draft and in-house solutions rather than free agency.

We will gain a better understanding of their plans for the offensive line during OTA’s and training camp.

Let’s take a closer look at the potential starters on the offensive line and how they will contribute to protecting Dak Prescott and the team this season.

Left Tackle

In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys chose Tyler Guyton, a tackle from the University of Oklahoma, as their first pick.

Guyton is an imposing figure at 6’8″ and 322lbs, with arms measuring 34 1/8”. Although he has the physique of a left tackle, his college career was primarily at right tackle.

Tyler Guyton’s o-line overview:

2020 (TCU): Redshirted at Texas Christian University, appearing in one game as a reserve.

2021 (TCU): Saw action in eight games as a tackle and H-back, including one start at H-back.

2022 (OU): Took to the field in 10 games, starting five times. He had one start at left tackle and four at right tackle, protecting the University of Oklahoma’s left-handed quarterback, Dillon Gabriel.

2023 (OU): Earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 recognition and played in 10 games, starting nine at right tackle, although his season was interrupted by an injury.

In Dallas, Guyton is gearing up to take on the left tackle spot, stepping into the big shoes of a hall-of-fame star like Tyron Smith.

Playing left tackle is new territory for Guyton, who was a right tackle in college. The skills are similar, just flipped, so he might have a few hiccups at the start on the left side of the line.

Interestingly, at Oklahoma, Guyton played right tackle for a left-handed QB, so he was already protecting the quarterback’s blindside. That could give him an edge as he moves to the NFL’s traditional blindside protector role.

Guyton’s college footage shows he’s better at pass blocking than run blocking, using his long arms, quick feet, and solid body control to stop pass rushers in their tracks.

University of Oklahoma Offensive Line Coach Bill Bedenbaugh remarked about Guyton, “He’s among the most talented individuals I’ve encountered, and we’ve seen our fair share of talent here.”

Coming from Bedenbaugh, this is a significant compliment for Guyton, who is just beginning to tap into his potential.

Left Guard

Tyler Smith, the third-year player, has solidified his position at left guard for the Cowboys. Having spent his entire career on the left side of the offensive line, it appears he’s truly made it his domain.

Recently, Smith earned the title of Top Offensive Guard Under 25 from PFF. Following a standout season that garnered him a second-team All-Pro nod and a Pro Bowl appearance, his trajectory is one to watch.

https://twitter.com/pff/status/1792676676247130596

I believe the left guard is in good hands for the foreseeable future.

Center

The center spot on the offensive line is shaping up to be a hotly contested position in camp.

The Cowboys have brought in Cooper Beebe, a third-round draft pick, to try and fill the gap left by Tyler Biadasz’s departure. Brock Hoffman is in the mix, and it’s going to be a head-to-head showdown between him and Beebee to determine who’ll snap the ball for America’s Team.

First up, let’s take a closer look at Brock Hoffman, the current holder of the position.

Standing 6’2″ and weighing 302lbs, Hoffman is in his second year as a pro.

An undrafted free agent, he was signed by the Cleveland Browns in 2022 but was released and signed by the Cowboys for their practice squad. He played three games that year after being promoted from the squad.

In 2023, Hoffman secured a spot on the active roster and even started a few games. Notably, in week 3, he stepped in for Biadasz during a loss to the Cardinals, yet the team achieved a season-high rush of 185 yards.

In the season’s final game, he filled in at right guard for an injured Zack Martin, contributing to the offense’s impressive 440-yard performance.

Hoffman’s versatility allows him to play both center and guard, proving to be a reliable asset last year.

Cooper Beebe, hailing from Kansas State, stands taller at 6’3″ and weighs 322lbs.

Beebe’s o-line overview:

2019: Redshirted and played two games as a reserve.

2020: Played nine games, starting eight across left guard and right tackle.

2021: Earned First-team All-Big 12 honors, starting all 13 games at left tackle.

2022: Named Second-team AP All-American, First-team All-Big 12, and Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, starting all 14 games at left guard.

2023: Repeated as First-team AP All-American, won the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year again, made First-team All Big-12, was a finalist for the Outland Trophy, and won the William V. Campbell Trophy, playing all games at left guard.

Beebe has a knack for football.

His only drawback is his lack of experience at center, which could be a hurdle in the NFL. However, his nomination for the Academic Heisman suggests he has the intellect to adapt.

Right Guard

With Zack Martin at left guard, the Cowboys are set. Martin, a consistent All-Pro and Pro Bowler, anchors the line and is poised to do so for the next season.

As the seasoned veteran of the offensive line, he’s ready to pass down his knowledge to the rookies eager to prove themselves. It’s hard to imagine anyone better to teach the essential skills for a thriving career in the trenches.

The left guard spot is undoubtedly the powerhouse of the line.

Right Tackle

Terence Steele, the team’s right tackle, secured a five-year extension in 2023, having joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent from Texas Tech in 2020.

Last season was a rollercoaster for him, partly due to his comeback from a severe left knee injury, which included torn ACL and MCL.

His recovery last year might explain some difficulties he faced, possibly due to a lack of confidence in his knee.

Steele is a top-tier right tackle at his peak, the kind every team desires to anchor their line.

Is the offensive line a strength or weakness?

Opinions on the offensive line will vary, and that’s the beauty of football – its unpredictability. I think the o-line might face some challenges, especially with two rookies possibly starting at left tackle and center.

The seasoned veterans will likely help lighten the load for the rookies while handling the opposing defensive linemen.

I believe the line will turn out to be a strong asset for the team.

The combination of experience and fresh talent on the line should prove advantageous, and we’ll likely see the payoff of their hard work towards the end of the season.

Expect the running game to flourish this year and the passing game to remain top-tier in the league. The media might have mixed opinions, but ultimately, this offensive line has the potential to be among the league’s elite.