Dallas Cowboys: 5 Players turning heads this offseason

1. The Offensive Line

Getting healthy on the offensive line was the most necessary thing for a unit once considered among the best in the NFL to get back to form. Most notably, starting tackles Tyron Smith and La’el Collins missed, in essence, the entire 2020 season and the rest of the line suffered as a result, especially as more injuries mounted throughout the year.

Both Smith and Collins are back on the field and the former, in particular, could be in line to return to his previously elite form. Smith had neck surgery last season but, according to his comments, it was something he probably needed for quite a while, perhaps dating back to college but certainly since he’s been routinely banged up with neck and back issues since 2016.

If Smith is healthy and Collins is in the same boat after his own rehab, that’s two cornerstones for the offense to rely on. And both players have stood out in offseason work to this point. However, it’s also worth noting that Connor Williams joined Smith and Collins on SI’s Mike Fisher’s list of the 10 best players at Cowboys minicamp. For a player whose job was considered possibly in jeopardy, that’s an exceedingly positive sign.

With no concern about the play of Zack Martin, it’s hard not to get excited about the offensive line this season. A healthy Smith and Collins impressing with Williams doing the same should give Dallas a re-fortified front behind which Prescott and Elliott can thrive.