As we look at the possible roster spots for the Cowboys going into 2024, what looked like a promising rookie from a season ago might have to show Dallas some flexibility if he wants to make the final cuts.
T.J. Bass was a favorite of mine from the moment they signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon a season ago.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones while talking about Dallas drafting three offensive linemen in what they believe is a strong offensive line draft class: “Why do you rob banks? Because that’s where the money is.” pic.twitter.com/cxYWUfJR06
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 27, 2024
He played tackle in college but did enough during last year’s training camp to make the roster as a backup at guard. He dressed for all 17 games and even started twice.
Why Wouldn’t He Make The Roster?
Well, even after a great showing in his rookie season as an undrafted player who had a 3rd and 4th round grade. The Cowboys went heavy this draft on the offensive line.
They selected Tyler Guyton with their first-round pick and got a steal when they took Cooper Beebe.
The problem is this team will have more questions at tackle than guard. From early reports, Beebe will be competing with Brock Hoffman for the starting center spot. But a report from the Cowboys website says Bass could also be in the mix.
Cowboys rookies Tyler Guyton, Cooper Beebe going through offensive line drills pic.twitter.com/5UJfzILwq9
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 11, 2024
They still have Chuma Edoga, Asim Richards, and guys like Josh Ball and Nathan Thomas.
The depth was the problem a year ago. Something that Bass provided was huge. He walked away after the season as arguably the team’s best rookie.
“I feel like I’ve had a really good offseason, especially coming back here,” Bass said. “I was training out in Arizona and then I’ll go back out there during this break before camp. I just want to see a big jump out of myself when it comes to knowledge and technique and the little stuff.”
No Room For Error
From what it seems right now, Bass, although could be the next great offensive lineman for Dallas if given a full-time role, has no room for error.
Bass started 34 straight games throughout three seasons for the Ducks in college. He played over 2,000 snaps and earned first-team all-Pac-12 honors from the coaches in 2021 and 2022.
He logged 894 offensive snaps. 879 at left tackle, and seven at left guard. For the other eight, he appeared at tight end.
It only gets better. Bass was the only player to be named Pac-12 offensive lineman of the week multiple times.
I have said many times that if he can get a full-time starting job on this team, he could be the next great one for Dallas, I think he is that good.
Honestly, a combo of him and Cooper Beebe would be nice to see. They will have growing pains, but with all this new depth, Bass might be on thin ice for no reason.
Primarily a guard, like most Cowboys players. Bass has the type of versatility that Mike McCarthy loves and with a battle set to begin at the center position between Beebe and Brock Hoffman, even Bass has dabbled in the position this offseason.
That is just how it works in the NFL.
Seeing lots of draft analysts giving the Cowboys a D or F grade. I don’t like not getting a running back, but bolstering the offensive line was a must and hopefully 1-2 others will contribute. It could have been better, but it wasn’t terrible.
— Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano) April 28, 2024
I do think this season will be interesting one, they are hoping the young guys can be solid on the offensive line. Going with a running back by committee and still not have signed their best offensive player in CeeDee Lamb.
Things are never easy when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys. Yet they have some players right in front of them that could be very good for a long time. Let’s see if they mess this up, or let Bass and others hang around and prove they can be the next greats for this team.
Training Camp starts in late July. That is when we should see who will earn most of the snaps where.
