Dallas Cowboys: Connor Williams and 2018 offensive line

The Dallas Cowboys used a second-round choice on offensive lineman Connor Williams during the 2018 NFL Draft, and how he’s used will be something to watch for.

When the Dallas Cowboys drafted University of Texas offensive lineman Connor Williams with the 18th pick of the second round during the 2018 NFL Draft, they did so to improve their offensive line play from a season ago, plus it added some much-needed depth to a unit that needed it one season earlier.

Williams is currently listed as the backup left guard to La’el Collins on the depth chart, according to OurLads.com, but Williams — who is 6-6, 296 pounds — is viewed as a starter in NFL circles, so it could be tough to keep him in a backup role by the time Week 1 arrives this September.

Williams could potentially start at left guard this season, while the Cowboys could still keep Collins in the starting lineup too, but play him at right tackle, as that would be a battle with Cameron Fleming.

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According to Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com, playing right tackle is what Collins wants to do this upcoming season:

"“I like playing tackle,” Collins said. “Right now, I’m focused on playing tackle. That’s where my mindset is. That’s where I’m grinding for.”"

With that said by Collins — plus with the ability to have a player like Williams on the offensive line with not just veterans, but former All-Pro selections — it is something Cowboys fans should rally around. Plus, the Cowboys are most likely looking into it this offseason.

The potential starting offensive line for the Cowboys come Week 1, when they travel to face the Carolina Panthers, could be Tyron Smith at left tackle, Williams at left guard, Travis Frederick at center, Zack Martin at right guard and La’el Collins or Cameron Fleming at right tackle.

If healthy, an offensive line like that could really make for another strong season for the Cowboys’ rushing game, especially if Ezekiel Elliott stays on the field for an entire season like he did his rookie season in 2016.

In adding Williams to the starting offensive line for the 2018 season, the Cowboys would be adding not just another new player, but a talented player who could bring a spark they were missing last season back to the offensive line.

A lot went into the Cowboys not playing at their very best in 2017, and it led to some changes with just not the depth chart of the offensive line, but they brought in Paul Alexander from the Cincinnati Bengals to add a different element to the way the O-line played previously.

So in adding not just a new offensive line coach, but with adding Williams too, the Cowboys have made a decision to shake things up this season. Hopefully this will bring back them back to the level they played in 2016 and even 2014, when the unit was at the very top of their game.

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Williams can become the player who lives up to his second-round selection. If he does, he’ll not only add to the Cowboys’ already stout offensive line, but he could help them regain their spot as the top offensive line in the entire NFL once again, which leads to a better rushing game, which in turn leads to an improved passing game.

All of those aforementioned factors of improvement could eventually lead to more wins, which is the goal of the Cowboys for the 2018 season. Time will tell how the offensive line situation will turn out, but their play could be something special if all the pieces fall into place.

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