Cowboyny
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We all know last season our offensive line was decimated with injuries across the board. Now only did our two starting tackles miss the the majority of the season, their backups missed multiple games. Even our ironman, all-pro Guard missed significant time. Outside of Connor Williams, all other 4 starters missed time throughout the season.
Many will argue that the offensive line is aging and their best days are behind them. Once considered one of the best, if not the best offensive lines in the entire league. Team already lost their all-pro Center in Frederick to retirement, Tyron/Martin have back issues, Collins just had hip surgery where there were whispers he may no longer have cartilage left. All the veterans are expected back, but as they grow older, can they still be relied upon to play a full schedule and stay productive? Issues within the OL, can potentially derail an entire season.
At first, I thought the need is more of a developmental, future starting Tackle, but with so many questions, they must act now or we may see the likes of Knight/Steele manning the position. It makes no sense to sign Dak Prescott to a huge extension and not being able to protect their investment.
Why Rashaun Slater?
-Many believe he could become a day 1 impact starter at all 5 OL positions. In my opinion, a very similar prospect to Zach Martin. Extremely good technician. Some will project him inside, due to lack of length, like they did with Martin. He would instantly upgrade the left guard position yr 1, if everyone comes back healthy.
-He dominated Chase Young on the college level, a player we have to face twice a year. Washington Football Team dominated the trenches in both our match-ups this season. Why not add his kryptonite. It's not just Washington who has the good front, all teams in the division have them.
-There is no need for a swing tackle, for a team like the Cowboys who are up against the cap, that extra savings could be huge, perhaps even used to add another fa defender. Team would have quality interior backups in the two Connors, where Slater can easily slide to Tackle in event of injury.
-The biggest question of all of this is, how many years does Tyron truly have left? Having Slater gives them options, if they decided to release Smith, it could create upwards of 10 million in cap space. They could even trade him for another quality draft pick, before it's too late.
I am fully aware of all the defensive needs this team truly has, but let's be honest, if this offense cannot carry this team, they have little chance for success even with an improved defense. Drafting Slater makes too much sense, if available.
Many will argue that the offensive line is aging and their best days are behind them. Once considered one of the best, if not the best offensive lines in the entire league. Team already lost their all-pro Center in Frederick to retirement, Tyron/Martin have back issues, Collins just had hip surgery where there were whispers he may no longer have cartilage left. All the veterans are expected back, but as they grow older, can they still be relied upon to play a full schedule and stay productive? Issues within the OL, can potentially derail an entire season.
At first, I thought the need is more of a developmental, future starting Tackle, but with so many questions, they must act now or we may see the likes of Knight/Steele manning the position. It makes no sense to sign Dak Prescott to a huge extension and not being able to protect their investment.
Why Rashaun Slater?
-Many believe he could become a day 1 impact starter at all 5 OL positions. In my opinion, a very similar prospect to Zach Martin. Extremely good technician. Some will project him inside, due to lack of length, like they did with Martin. He would instantly upgrade the left guard position yr 1, if everyone comes back healthy.
-He dominated Chase Young on the college level, a player we have to face twice a year. Washington Football Team dominated the trenches in both our match-ups this season. Why not add his kryptonite. It's not just Washington who has the good front, all teams in the division have them.
-There is no need for a swing tackle, for a team like the Cowboys who are up against the cap, that extra savings could be huge, perhaps even used to add another fa defender. Team would have quality interior backups in the two Connors, where Slater can easily slide to Tackle in event of injury.
-The biggest question of all of this is, how many years does Tyron truly have left? Having Slater gives them options, if they decided to release Smith, it could create upwards of 10 million in cap space. They could even trade him for another quality draft pick, before it's too late.
I am fully aware of all the defensive needs this team truly has, but let's be honest, if this offense cannot carry this team, they have little chance for success even with an improved defense. Drafting Slater makes too much sense, if available.
