huge setback: Mike McCarthy announce retirement after facing......

huge setback: Mike McCarthy announces retirement after facing…

The Cowboys, along with several other teams, are in a position to bolster their offensive line during the first round of the upcoming draft. The 2024 class of tackles has received significant acclaim, and selecting one of the top prospects would provide clarity to Dallas’ plans for the offensive line in the upcoming season.

With Tyron Smith departing in free agency, the Cowboys are now without a starting left tackle unless Tyler Smith, their first-round pick in 2022, assumes the role. While initially drafted as Smith’s successor, Tyler excelled as a guard last season, earning Pro Bowl honours. Consequently, adding a tackle to the lineup seems imminent.

According to The Athletic’s Jon Machota, left tackle is the primary position likely to be addressed in the first round for Dallas. Despite owning the 24th pick, typically considered late for finding an immediate starting tackle, the depth of the 2024 class offers viable options. Notable prospects like Tyler Guyton from Oklahoma and Amarius Mims from Georgia could be available when Dallas is on the clock.

If Tyler Smith transitions to left tackle, it leaves the interior offensive line as an area of need for Dallas, especially after losing starting centre Tyler Biadasz in free agency. Prospects such as Graham Barton and Jackson Powers-Johnson could be considered in this scenario. ESPN’s Todd Archer anticipates Tyler Smith starting the season as Dallas’ blindside protector, prompting the team to focus on guard or centre prospects early in the draft.

As expected, Machota notes that the Cowboys are unlikely to address the linebacker position on the first day of the draft, as no linebacker prospects are viewed as first-round locks. However, adding depth at linebacker, possibly in the second round with the 56th pick, could complement the offseason acquisition of Eric Kendricks.

In an effort to alleviate criticisms surrounding their quiet offseason, the Cowboys aim to infuse their roster with impact rookies. While the specific offensive line position for their top pick remains uncertain, an early selection on the offensive front is anticipated.