One of the topics of interest for the 2022 season for the Cowboys will be the level that the offensive line can present. While it is true that the group remains solid with elements such as Zack Martin and Tyron Smith, other details must also be taken into consideration. Like the new elements that have come to collaborate in the position and what they are expected to achieve.
Marshal Dak Prescott was sacked a total of 30 times, ranking 20th out of all of his position. With a line where the aforementioned Smith and Martin were already, Tyler Biadasz was also at center, Connor Williams at left guard and both La’el Collins and Terence Steele shared the duties at right tackle. And despite his great production, one thing that made a lot of noise was the offensive holding penalties. We are talking about a total of 30, of which 26 accepted.
Former Cowboys’ OL Connor Williams is signing a 2-year $14 million deal that includes $7.5 million fully guaranteed with the Miami Dolphins, per his agents @DrewJRosenhaus and @RyanMatha.
– Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2022
Of course, the biggest highlight of this entire group would be Connor Williams. The left guard would finish his final season with the Cowboys with a total of 13 regular-season penalties, along with one more in the wild-card round matchup against the 49ers. In that case, Connor is no longer in the organization since he ended his contract and left for the Dolphins. So the big question was present a few months ago about who would do his job after leaving the franchise.
Well, the Cowboys with their 24th pick took over the services of Tulsa offensive lineman Tyler Smith. In the words of head coach Mike McCarthy, the guy has performed very well in all the activities that the Cowboys have done. Likewise, his versatility has not only given him a big positive note at left guard, but it is also expected that in the future he will work as a tackle for the same side. A position that Tyron Smith still holds, but already at 31 years old, it is known that his time in Dallas could already be coming to an end. Not because of his production failures, but because of his constant injuries since the 2016 campaign.
.@Tee_sizzle_ is officially part of the squad!
🗞➡️ https://t.co/LDEwA7oy2K@blockchain | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/ELUIIXf6Dq
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) May 13, 2022
Another lineman who ended up going to the Bengals was right tackle La’el Collins. The Cowboys have already reiterated for a few months that Terence Steele will be the starter at the position. However, they have not neglected the possibility of obtaining more backup talent and in the fifth round they have selected the OT from the University of North Dakota, Matt Waletzko. In the latter’s case, he could clearly function as a swing tackle, fighting for the position with 2021 draft pick Josh Ball.
Welcome to the Cowgirl family, @mattwaletzko!⭐️ pic.twitter.com/9u0OplIo5b
— We are Cowboys (@SomosCowboys) April 30, 2022
As far as the center position is concerned, the position remains assured for Tyler Biadasz who is already starting his third year. However, elements like Matt Farniok or Alec Lindstrom could give him a fight for himself. It will be very interesting to see when the team begins its activities in Oxnard at the end of July.
“I liked the way they’re building up, and I like the way they’re doing the fundamental stuff,” said Jerry Jones. “As far as building and putting things together over the next couple of years, what you’d like to think could work on the offensive line, I think we’ve done very well.”
“One place that has probably been my biggest concern and the one that I have the most motivation with is on our offensive line,” Jones continued. “We have some players from last year, youngsters from the same period who are going to be real contributors. And then we have some new players this year, our Draft picks mainly, that will help us.”
Seeing how the offensive line will be handled in 2022, it’s clear the Cowboys are going to put their trust in a lot of young guys. However, the aforementioned Zack Martin and Tyron Smith will lead the pack. It’s to be expected since between the two there are a total of 15 Pro Bowl appearances. But this is not to panic, as the youngest are expected to become the elements of the future. After all, that is the goal. That the group can continue to do their job and protect Dak Prescott at all costs. As well as collaborate and open spaces for the game on the ground.
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