It feels like forever ago that the Dallas Cowboys had a bad offensive line. Back in the early part of the decade, the Cowboys struggled to keep then starter Tony Romo upright. It was so glaring an issue that Head Coach Jason Garrett convinced Owner and General Manager Jerry Jones to switch his philosophy on using a first-round pick at the position, and they did it three times during Garrett’s tenure.
Now with All-Pro Center Travis Frederick retired and a possible competition at left guard, there seems to be some concern about the offensive line. While they may not be as good as the vaunted 2014 or 2016 groups, this offensive line will still be one of the best in 2020.
A couple of days ago, Pro Football Focus released their 2020 offensive line rankings and had your Dallas Cowboys ranked 3rd overall.
Certainly, moving from Travis Frederick to Joe Looney or Tyler Biadasz is a downgrade at the position, at least as things stand now. However, the emergence of La’el Collins as one of the best tackles in the NFL in 2019 more than makes up the difference.
The two offensive lines that ranked higher than the Cowboys were the Indianapolis Colts at number one and the New Orleans Saints at two.
Even as the Cowboys come into the season with questions at two spots along the offensive line, the combination of Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, and La’el Collins are a tremendous trio to build around. Even though Tyron Smith hasn’t been the player he was earlier in his career, largely due to injuries, he’s still one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Zack Martin is arguably the best guard in football. La’el Collins breakout 2019 season has thrust him into the conversation of best right tackles in the NFL.
Between Connor Williams and Connor McGovern, they’ll be able to find a quality player to play at left guard. Though Williams hasn’t been a Pro Bowl level player, he’s been serviceable and at times pretty good, like the 2018 playoff game where he held his own against arguably the best player in football, Aaron Donald.
The Dallas Cowboys have built a strong foundation for this team with their offensive line in Smith, Martin, and Collins. Looking around the league you’d be hard-pressed to find a team with a trio as good as the Cowboys. There are questions, but that’s the nature of the NFL. Turnover happens and competitions are created. Generally, they sort themselves out and by the time the Cowboys line up against the Los Angeles Rams in week one, they’ll have an offensive line that’s ready to open holes for Ezekiel Elliott and give Dak Prescott the time to get the ball downfield.
