Thoughts on the OLine

[DasSchnitzel]

I'm trying to think through the issues with the offensive line and how to address them. Here's what I've got so far:

Right Tackle:
La'el Collins was PFF's 5th best tackle overall last year and 34th the year before that. CBS Sports had him at #10 last year. He's under contract to have what should be affordable cap hits of 11.7-13.5M the next 4 years, given his performance, as long as he stays healthy when he gets back.

Right Guard:
Zach Martin is set to have cap hits of 16M to 17.8M the next 4 years and is continuing to play like a hall of famer.

Center:
Joe Looney is on his last year and is a 30 year old JAG. Biadasz seems like he could be an average starter or a nice backup.

Left Guard:
Connor Williams has one more year of his rookie deal and is a top 20 guard according to PFF. I think he's better than he looks and needs better neighbors. He's had some health issues. McGovern and Knight for depth on other cheap and short deals.

Left Tackle:
Tyron costs about 14-15.4M the next 3 years and then only 1.8M. Extreme health problems, including now repeated neck injuries. Cam Erving is on his last year but I think he's a great emergency plugin on game day because he's not good at anything but he can jump in all 5 OL spots. Steele isn't the answer.

Looking over these facts and other information, this is what I'm thinking:

Free Agency:
I don't see the possibility of upgrading the starting C or LT spots via free agency. There just isn't the cap space to go around when you consider that Dak is most likely coming back to Dallas all things considered (basically I don't think Jerry will move on).

Draft:
If Sewell is available you might have to take him no matter how bad everyone wants defensive help. He's one of the best LT prospects in a while and he's only 20. I would keep Tyron and try to trade him in April 2022. Next year, Sewell would step into LT and keep it if Tyron gets injured. Until then, he could be the swing tackle, with Williams at LG and Biadasz at C, or maybe you try Sewell at LG and move Williams to C.

Either way it looks to me like this would be a great OL group for next year and the future:
T: Smith, Sewell, Collins, Erving
G: Martin, Williams McGovern
C: Biadasz

That's 8. If Williams is the starting Guard then I bring in another center to make 9, and if he's the starting Center then I bring in another Guard to make 9. This 9th person either way is either a very low draft pick or very cheap FA.

 

[aria]

Sewell will be a beast for years to come IMO. I would absolutely take him if he’s there, even if we get the 3rd pick. LT’s aren’t that easy to find, just look at the Giants. They used the 4th overall on a LT, so far he has been one of the absolute worst in the league and he was supposed to be the most pro ready.

Just look what Tyron has done for us all the years he was healthy and played. The importance of the O line, especially LT, cannot be overstated enough. Ooooooor we could do something stupid as hell and draft a RB with a top 5 pick but not even Jerry is that dumb, right?

 

[DasSchnitzel]

Sewell will be a beast for years to come IMO. I would absolutely take him if he’s there, even if we get the 3rd pick. LT’s aren’t that easy to find, just look at the Giants. They used the 4th overall on a LT, so far he has been one of the absolute worst in the league and he was supposed to be the most pro ready.

Just look what Tyron has done for us all the years he was healthy and played. The importance of the O line, especially LT, cannot be overstated enough. Ooooooor we could do something stupid as hell and draft a RB with a top 5 pick but not even Jerry is that dumb, right?

We've been really spoiled at OL ever since Martin arrived, we could get back to being dominant if we add Sewell to Collins and Martin. Smith to Frederick to Martin, then Collins arriving as Frederick leaves, the opportunity for Sewell to arrive as Smith leaves

We should keep the discussion from turning into strictly a draft thread though, this thread is all about OL planning and not just drafting. I don't want the mods to move it over because we said "Sewell" too many times. There's the whole free agency, trade, depth aspect. and general contract talk sides.

What's Tryon Smith's trade value if he starts all 16 games next season, vs. only starting 12, 8, or 4?

 

[Proof]

It’s funny I’ve gone from thinking Sewell was a luxury we couldn’t afford, to now lamenting the reality we probably can’t get him lol.

 

[jay94]

Sewell seems to be the only clear non qb prospect. I would say Tyron is just one more injury away from retirement and some point it gets old and isn't worth it, so I would rather be prepared to early than to late.

 

[Buzzbait]

I'm trying to think through the issues with the offensive line and how to address them. Here's what I've got so far:
.............
Center:
Joe Looney is on his last year and is a 30 year old JAG. Biadasz seems like he could be an average starter or a nice backup.
.............

You said "Biadasz seems like he could be an average starter or a nice backup"
I think you're underestimating the kid. I believe he's better than that.

 

[waving monkey]

I think Biadasz has done better then average rookie season. I'm looking forward to him holding down the center position for years to come. If we want to invest in Sewell I'm good. I cant see the Cowboys drafting that early but Im normally wrong.

 

[America's Cowboy]

I'm trying to think through the issues with the offensive line and how to address them. Here's what I've got so far:

Right Tackle:
La'el Collins was PFF's 5th best tackle overall last year and 34th the year before that. CBS Sports had him at #10 last year. He's under contract to have what should be affordable cap hits of 11.7-13.5M the next 4 years, given his performance, as long as he stays healthy when he gets back.

Right Guard:
Zach Martin is set to have cap hits of 16M to 17.8M the next 4 years and is continuing to play like a hall of famer.

Center:
Joe Looney is on his last year and is a 30 year old JAG. Biadasz seems like he could be an average starter or a nice backup.

Left Guard:
Connor Williams has one more year of his rookie deal and is a top 20 guard according to PFF. I think he's better than he looks and needs better neighbors. He's had some health issues. McGovern and Knight for depth on other cheap and short deals.

Left Tackle:
Tyron costs about 14-15.4M the next 3 years and then only 1.8M. Extreme health problems, including now repeated neck injuries. Cam Erving is on his last year but I think he's a great emergency plugin on game day because he's not good at anything but he can jump in all 5 OL spots. Steele isn't the answer.

Looking over these facts and other information, this is what I'm thinking:

Free Agency:
I don't see the possibility of upgrading the starting C or LT spots via free agency. There just isn't the cap space to go around when you consider that Dak is most likely coming back to Dallas all things considered (basically I don't think Jerry will move on).

Draft:
If Sewell is available you might have to take him no matter how bad everyone wants defensive help. He's one of the best LT prospects in a while and he's only 20. I would keep Tyron and try to trade him in April 2022. Next year, Sewell would step into LT and keep it if Tyron gets injured. Until then, he could be the swing tackle, with Williams at LG and Biadasz at C, or maybe you try Sewell at LG and move Williams to C.

Either way it looks to me like this would be a great OL group for next year and the future:
T: Smith, Sewell, Collins, Erving
G: Martin, Williams McGovern
C: Biadasz

That's 8. If Williams is the starting Guard then I bring in another center to make 9, and if he's the starting Center then I bring in another Guard to make 9. This 9th person either way is either a very low draft pick or very cheap FA.

I like your analysis and opinion, overall, but I would try to keep Looney on a cheap 2-3 year deal. Looney might be a JAG, but he's a very good JAG who has proven can play both Center and Guard positions when needed without missing a beat.

Totally agree with drafting OTackle Penei Sewell with our first pick in the draft. Penei Sewell is a once in a generation types of OTackles like Tyron Smith has been for us since 2010. Tyron's body is breaking down badly every year the past 3+ years. It's time to find his replacement. Other than Center, the Left Tackle position is the most important position on the Oline, especially since they protect your franchise QB's blind side.

 

[Buzzbait]

I like your analysis and opinion, overall, but I would try to keep Looney on a cheap 2-3 year deal. Looney might be a JAG, but he's a very good JAG who has proven can play both Center and Guard positions when needed without missing a beat.

Totally agree with drafting OTackle Penei Sewell with our first pick in the draft. Penei Sewell is a once in a generation types of OTackles like Tyron Smith has been for us since 2010. Tyron's body is breaking down badly every year the past 3+ years. It's time to find his replacement. Other than Center, the Left Tackle position is the most important position on the Oline, especially since they protect your franchise QB's blind side.

AC I agree about it being time to find a replacement for Tyron. He's too beat up. We need a good young dependable LT to anchor that left side of the line.

 

[PAPPYDOG]

I'm trying to think through the issues with the offensive line and how to address them. Here's what I've got so far:

Right Tackle:
La'el Collins was PFF's 5th best tackle overall last year and 34th the year before that. CBS Sports had him at #10 last year. He's under contract to have what should be affordable cap hits of 11.7-13.5M the next 4 years, given his performance, as long as he stays healthy when he gets back.

Right Guard:
Zach Martin is set to have cap hits of 16M to 17.8M the next 4 years and is continuing to play like a hall of famer.

Center:
Joe Looney is on his last year and is a 30 year old JAG. Biadasz seems like he could be an average starter or a nice backup.

Left Guard:
Connor Williams has one more year of his rookie deal and is a top 20 guard according to PFF. I think he's better than he looks and needs better neighbors. He's had some health issues. McGovern and Knight for depth on other cheap and short deals.

Left Tackle:
Tyron costs about 14-15.4M the next 3 years and then only 1.8M. Extreme health problems, including now repeated neck injuries. Cam Erving is on his last year but I think he's a great emergency plugin on game day because he's not good at anything but he can jump in all 5 OL spots. Steele isn't the answer.

Looking over these facts and other information, this is what I'm thinking:

Free Agency:
I don't see the possibility of upgrading the starting C or LT spots via free agency. There just isn't the cap space to go around when you consider that Dak is most likely coming back to Dallas all things considered (basically I don't think Jerry will move on).

Draft:
If Sewell is available you might have to take him no matter how bad everyone wants defensive help. He's one of the best LT prospects in a while and he's only 20. I would keep Tyron and try to trade him in April 2022. Next year, Sewell would step into LT and keep it if Tyron gets injured. Until then, he could be the swing tackle, with Williams at LG and Biadasz at C, or maybe you try Sewell at LG and move Williams to C.

Either way it looks to me like this would be a great OL group for next year and the future:
T: Smith, Sewell, Collins, Erving
G: Martin, Williams McGovern
C: Biadasz

That's 8. If Williams is the starting Guard then I bring in another center to make 9, and if he's the starting Center then I bring in another Guard to make 9. This 9th person either way is either a very low draft pick or very cheap FA.

Spend all our top picks on off-lineman!!!
Jeez hasn't this formula worked wonders for us last 5 years????

 

[America's Cowboy]

Spend all our top picks on off-lineman!!!
Jeez hasn't this formula worked wonders for us last 5 years????

Who would you rather use our very early 1st round pick on?

Stop complaining and just give us your answer, PappyDog.

I'm curious to see who you are thinking of.

 

[PAPPYDOG]

Who would you rather use our very early 1st round pick on?

Stop complaining and just give us your answer, PappyDog.

I'm curious to see who you are thinking of.

PLAYMAKERS.....QB...DT...DE...LB...CB....
Now convenience us or better yet sell on us on spending precious high picks for the offline man once again.
If you're happy with what we have accomplished with this formula in the past 6 years?

 

[baltcowboy]

We've been really spoiled at OL ever since Martin arrived, we could get back to being dominant if we add Sewell to Collins and Martin. Smith to Frederick to Martin, then Collins arriving as Frederick leaves, the opportunity for Sewell to arrive as Smith leaves

We should keep the discussion from turning into strictly a draft thread though, this thread is all about OL planning and not just drafting. I don't want the mods to move it over because we said "Sewell" too many times. There's the whole free agency, trade, depth aspect. and general contract talk sides.

What's Tryon Smith's trade value if he starts all 16 games next season, vs. only starting 12, 8, or 4?

Jerry would never trade Tyron. The personal history between the Joneses and the Cowboys is more of a story book then the movie the Blind Side. With that said you draft Sewell and have the best offensive line in football. A left side of Sewell and Tyron is frightening. Dak might take a pay cut to stay behind that offensive line.

 

[Cowboyny]

I'm trying to think through the issues with the offensive line and how to address them. Here's what I've got so far:

Right Tackle:
La'el Collins was PFF's 5th best tackle overall last year and 34th the year before that. CBS Sports had him at #10 last year. He's under contract to have what should be affordable cap hits of 11.7-13.5M the next 4 years, given his performance, as long as he stays healthy when he gets back.

Right Guard:
Zach Martin is set to have cap hits of 16M to 17.8M the next 4 years and is continuing to play like a hall of famer.

Center:
Joe Looney is on his last year and is a 30 year old JAG. Biadasz seems like he could be an average starter or a nice backup.

Left Guard:
Connor Williams has one more year of his rookie deal and is a top 20 guard according to PFF. I think he's better than he looks and needs better neighbors. He's had some health issues. McGovern and Knight for depth on other cheap and short deals.

Left Tackle:
Tyron costs about 14-15.4M the next 3 years and then only 1.8M. Extreme health problems, including now repeated neck injuries. Cam Erving is on his last year but I think he's a great emergency plugin on game day because he's not good at anything but he can jump in all 5 OL spots. Steele isn't the answer.

Looking over these facts and other information, this is what I'm thinking:

Free Agency:
I don't see the possibility of upgrading the starting C or LT spots via free agency. There just isn't the cap space to go around when you consider that Dak is most likely coming back to Dallas all things considered (basically I don't think Jerry will move on).

Draft:
If Sewell is available you might have to take him no matter how bad everyone wants defensive help. He's one of the best LT prospects in a while and he's only 20. I would keep Tyron and try to trade him in April 2022. Next year, Sewell would step into LT and keep it if Tyron gets injured. Until then, he could be the swing tackle, with Williams at LG and Biadasz at C, or maybe you try Sewell at LG and move Williams to C.

Either way it looks to me like this would be a great OL group for next year and the future:
T: Smith, Sewell, Collins, Erving
G: Martin, Williams McGovern
C: Biadasz

That's 8. If Williams is the starting Guard then I bring in another center to make 9, and if he's the starting Center then I bring in another Guard to make 9. This 9th person either way is either a very low draft pick or very cheap FA.

-Why is everyone convinced that the Cowboys will land a top 3 selection, which is needed to draft Sewell. It's not happening with 3 games in the division left.

-We have so much money tied up in the OL. Zach highest paid Guard, Collins highest paid Right Tackle, etc. Teams find quality OL talent throughout the draft, not by using their top pick to do so. There just is so little resources on the defensive side.

-Unless you are able to land Sewell, it makes zero sense to draft another 1st rd lineman. The team has massive needs on defense, where their offense was good even with their Tackles gone when Dak was healthy. Defense wins championships and is the reason why we have been successful in many years.

 

[America's Cowboy]

PLAYMAKERS.....QB...DT...DE...LB...CB....
Now convenience us or better yet sell on us on spending precious high picks for the offline man once again.
If you're happy with what we have accomplished with this formula in the past 6 years?

QB? Foolish!

DE? We don't need one. We have plenty!

DT? Which one is worthy of a top 5 pick???

Same goes for LB and CB? Which one is worthy of a top 5 overall pick???

Come on, enlighten us with your geniusness instead of always mocking and deflecting!!!

 

[John813]

Only DE as of now that could be worth it is thr guy from Miami but he only had one year of very good production and sat out this year. So, he isn't a clear cut can't miss edge guy

 

[Chuck 54]

We’ve been spoiled by having the best LT in the NFL for some time and the best OL for a few years.
Neither is necessary. No way this team with this mess on defense should draft an OL in round 1.

When there’s an injury on the OL, it hurts this team because we have crappy depth rather than developmental guys who can be starters in the future. That’s what happens when you have too much money invested in the starting OL.

We need a young LT in the next couple of drafts who can develop as a backup and be a future starter while being a backup at OT or G now. You can find those guys outside of round 1. We are not going to be a pound it on the ground, run first team in the future with McCarthy as coach, and it would be a stupid waste of one of the best WR groups in the league.

We need a solid OL with solid backups who are providing competition for starting spots. That can be done with the money we spend on our OL. We just don’t need to be paying super star OLmen top money across the board and then going with backups who are not legit NFL linemen.

This is the age of mobile QBs and passing offenses where the run game keeps defenses honest, along with quality defenses. That’s the direction this team needs to go. We don’t need 3-4 “Great OLmen unless we plan to be a running, ball control, grinding offense.

 

[Chuck 54]

QB? Foolish!

DE? We don't need one. We have plenty!

DT? Which one is worthy of a top 5 pick???

Same goes for LB and CB? Which one is worthy of a top 5 overall pick???

Come on, enlighten us with your geniusness instead of always mocking and deflecting!!!

The CB from Bama may be worth a top 5 pick.

 

[America's Cowboy]

The CB from Bama may be worth a top 5 pick.

No way.

CB Patrick Surtain II runs the 40 in the mid 4.5 range. He lacks elite speed or twitch to be able to cover fast, speedy and quick WRs. He's valued to go anywhere in the late 1st or 2nd round. No way is he worth a top 5 pick.

 

[Jarntt]

Let's say we draft Sewell and lets go out on a limb and say Smith is healthy (either just for week one or for the season). You can't sit Sewell on the bench so I'd move Collins back to LG and play all 3 along with Martin and either Biadasz or Looney. Then I keep Knight as my Swing Tackle because IMO he has earned the job. That, IMO, is a fantastic OL. The only problem is it doesn't help our defense...