Dallas Cowboys: 5 Questions Before Training Camp
How good is the offensive line?
May 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory (94) goes against tackle Tyron Smith (77) during OTAs at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The offensive line of the Dallas Cowboys for my money is the best in the NFL today. Last season, they proved that by blocking for over 2,000 yards of rushing, keeping Tony Romo relatively healthy and being the foundation to a team that won the NFC East championship.
The starting five for the Cowboys will most likely look like this when Week 1 arrives: Tyron Smith (LT), La’el Collins (OG), Zack Martin (OG), Doug Free (RT) and Travis Frederick (C).
It could look a little different as Collins has to work his way into the starting lineup as a rookie, but there is a feeling he’s more than capable of doing so.
Plus, with Collins, don’t you think he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder because due to an off-the-field issue he was cleared of not being involved with, he was passed on by every team in the draft all seven rounds, eventually signing with the Cowboys as an undrafted rookie free agent?
If it were me, I think I would want to take out my frustration on those teams once the season began, but with Collins, it will be a wait-and-see-what-happens type of deal as he battles in training camp.
The rest of the offensive line is pretty much set as I don’t see anyone overtaking the spots of Smith, Martin, or Frederick, but with Free, he might have to battle Collins as well if the Cowboys decide they want him to be the right tackle this season, but again, Free could be moved to guard as well.
There is also Ronald Leary as an offensive guard who is a quality player as well, and others will be battling it out for reserve roles within the offensive line.
So to answer my own question, the offensive line is really good, and I can’t wait to see how this group of young players continue to grow into their roles. This core of players could be the best part about the entire team entering the ’15 season.
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