The Dallas Cowboys are likely boarding a plane for Oxnard as I type this on Monday morning.
After months of anticipation, meaningful team activities are finally underway for the Cowboys.
Training camp is an opportunity for players to hone their skills versus teammates.
For a certain few, training camp is the only opportunity some players will get to show off their abilities.
The term “camp body” is an actual NFL term for a reason.
Some guys are brought in solely to line up across players who are more likely to make the team.
Today we will be discussing which players listed as guards on the depth chart are most likely to make an impact past training camp.
To read about previously covered training camp battles, utilize the following links.
Offensive Guards
Established starter(s): Tyler Smith, Zack Martin
Battle for Backup: Matt Farniok, Chuma Edoga, Asim Richards, T.J. Bass
Since the 2014 season, the Cowboys have not had to even look at their right guard situation.
Zack Martin has shored up that spot, and has since racked up six All-Pro seasons.
With the news that Martin is threatening to hold out for a new contract, Dallas brass should be at least a little nervous.
Behind Martin are nothing but questions, and great teams have the least questions possible about their rosters.
I'm sure the Cowboys and Martin will come to some sort of agreement, and we are worried for nothing.
However, we have to entertain the possibility that Martin at some point may be unavailable.
That leaves us to examine who the Cowboys have as reserves, and not only at right guard.
Left guard is currently projected to be Tyler Smith's job, but at the seemingly inevitable moment Tyron Smith gets injured, Tyler would kick out to tackle.
It would be bad roster management to not have a backup plan.
Matt Farniok
Matt Farniok's trajectory is a front office's dream.
Farniok was a 7th round pick by Dallas in 2021, and in two short years has become arguably the Cowboys' most versatile offensive lineman.
Most of Farniok's snaps came in the first three weeks of 2022 when Tyron's injury forced an offensive line shuffle.
He filled in amicably, and simultaneously raised the team's confidence in him.
Left guard, right guard, and even center are positions that Farniok is comfortable with.
Not only is he the clear favorite to win the “swing” position for the entire interior offensive line, but he is also the favorite for starting left guard if needed.
It's unlikely, but if Martin's holdout lasts until the beginning of the regular season, Farniok would be the favorite to start at right guard as well.
Chuma Edoga
Veteran Chuma Edoga is one of those signings that the Cowboys make every offseason.
They are notorious for using veterans with favorable traits as one year bridge players while they develop and evaluate the young talent on the roster.
Edoga brings 26 games of experience to the offensive line.
He spent time with both the New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons strictly as an offensive tackle, but the Cowboys like him at guard.
The veteran could start at either guard spot if needed, but the most likely scenario is as a backup.
Asim Richards
The Cowboys are actually very excited about the 5th round pick from the University of North Carolina.
They feel Asim Richards is more talented than his draft stock would indicate.
Richards played offensive tackle in college, but his lower than average athleticism is cause for concern at the NFL level.
He struggles to maintain blocks in space, so Dallas feels his traits are best suited for guard.
T.J. Bass
T.J. Bass is an undrafted free agent signed by Dallas out of the University of Oregon.
He played mostly guard in college, but kicked out to tackle for the second half of his final collegiate season.
Bass' traits don't translate well as an offensive tackle at the NFL level.
His shorter arms and overall lack of length are better suited at guard in the NFL.
Dallas likes what they saw from Bass in rookie minicamp, and he's a dark horse to make the roster despite being undrafted.
Prediction
The Cowboys have to be concerned with the lack of experienced depth on the interior of the offensive line.
That concern only grows with Martin's holdout situation.
Farniok makes the team as the top swing interior lineman, and possibly as a starting guard if the cards fall a certain way.
Edoga makes the team as a reserve, and possibly starting at left guard if he can beat out Farniok in camp.
Asim Richards is a young prospect who Dallas likes, and OL Coach Mike Solari will do his best to have him ready for a reserve role.
Bass might be relegated to the practice squad unless he shows out at camp to win a spot as a backup on the 53 man roster.
