Upgrade: offensive guard vs defensive tackle

[John813]

Mazi has a GTD contract.

Two more seasons.

On a cheap entry level deal.
His contract should have zero impact on adding to the D-Line.


PS Spotrac is a good site, but isn't the best at RFA/UFA. They had the Jaylon Smith contract wrong years ago fwiw.
Hoffman signed a 1 year ERFA contract, which means at the end of this season he becomes a RFA.
After the RFA year, he becomes an UFA

 

[BoyzBlaster]

It doesnt matter with whatever analytics you choose to follow.
The bottom line is this team's most desperate need is to stop the run. Period.

When they're getting gashed up the gut because of a failed project Mazi and Odiggys not so great run stopping skill just maybe some of y'all will remember the draft and the opportunity that presented itself.

Tyler Booker ain't stopping the run.

Amen. It will take about 1 quarter of the first game and all these people clamoring to spend all of our decent picks on offense will be complaining.

 

[gtb1943]

It doesnt matter with whatever analytics you choose to follow.
The bottom line is this team's most desperate need is to stop the run. Period.

When they're getting gashed up the gut because of a failed project Mazi and Odiggys not so great run stopping skill just maybe some of y'all will remember the draft and the opportunity that presented itself.

Tyler Booker ain't stopping the run.

I certainly would have taken Grant over Booker. Nolen not as I think the character concerns are too much at that point of the drant

However I am ok with Booker

you need to remember that this team is not going to be rebuilt in one year
especially with how we do not use FA

 

[jblaze2004]

To me, the highest upside at #12 would of been a DT. They could of had their choice with Nolen, but he fell, Harmon or Grant.

Smith has struggled, and it's not like Osa plays 100% of the snaps.

Dallas could of gone into TC with Bass, Hoffman, Richard, day 2/3 guard to compete at RG.
Would of they had the same upside as Booker? Probably not.
But, is that upside worth a better prospect at DT? To be determined.

I'm fine with passing on RB/WR/DE etc...
But DT is in a bad position. Just cause they gave Osa 20mil and Smith is entering his 3rd year there's no guarantee there's going to be growth from either one.

This is my exact point. DT should have been a higher priority then reaching on a guard. I love Bookers make up and I believe he will be a good pick but I was hoping to either get a playmaker on offense or help out our terrible defensive line mainly at DT. We better hope Nolen ends up trash because a game breaking DT is worth more than a game breaking guard. A big plus with how bad our defense was last year. And I don't really see it being any better. It may actually be worst unless Mazi takes a giant step forward.

 

[pansophy]

Thought I would never see Marinelli and Defense mentioned again.

It's strange to me in terms of the backfield because we have been drafting corners that can play man. So I don't know how that is going to work with a bend but don't break mentality.

 

[John813]

This is my exact point. DT should have been a higher priority then reaching on a guard. I love Bookers make up and I believe he will be a good pick but I was hoping to either get a playmaker on offense or help out our terrible defensive line mainly at DT. We better hope Nolen ends up trash because a game breaking DT is worth more than a game breaking guard. A big plus with how bad our defense was last year. And I don't really see it being any better. It may actually be worst unless Mazi takes a giant step forward.

The one nice thing about this draft is that it does have some depth at DT, so it's not like there's a huge drop off.

But with some decent holes, they will be leaving the draft with still some spots needing some FA signings or hoping that a day 3 guy could play next season.

WR at least on paper was very thin this draft.

 

[Big D]

IMO it's near impossible for a young DT to come into the NFL and dominate. This is where I'd focus my freeagency spending. Mazi is coming into his 3rd year so he should start becoming what we wanted. I Can't remember a rookie DT coming in and dominating like we need him to.

 

[Bigrandrn]

To me, the highest upside at #12 would of been a DT. They could of had their choice with Nolen, but he fell, Harmon or Grant.

Smith has struggled, and it's not like Osa plays 100% of the snaps.

Dallas could of gone into TC with Bass, Hoffman, Richard, day 2/3 guard to compete at RG.
Would of they had the same upside as Booker? Probably not.
But, is that upside worth a better prospect at DT? To be determined.

I'm fine with passing on RB/WR/DE etc...
But DT is in a bad position. Just cause they gave Osa 20mil and Smith is entering his 3rd year there's no guarantee there's going to be growth from either one.

That’s what I’m saying…..guard at 12 seemed a reach when we need a few other positions more due to having SOME competent options at RG already.

 

[75boyz]

Amen. It will take about 1 quarter of the first game and all these people clamoring to spend all of our decent picks on offense will be complaining.

Freakin Jerry roster building minions.
Pathetic.

And then even after the team "possibly"(best case scenario) achieves a semblance of the 2016 offensive success...
Guess what?
Teams will stack the box and force Dakota to beat them.
Which he can't.

All the while getting prison raped up the middle of the defense.
AGAIN.

 

[gtb1943]

IMO it's near impossible for a young DT to come into the NFL and dominate. This is where I'd focus my freeagency spending. Mazi is coming into his 3rd year so he should start becoming what we wanted. I Can't remember a rookie DT coming in and dominating like we need him to.

problem with Mazi is that he only showed limited improvement last season
he went from an absolute bust to JAG
its a big step up from that to be a player worth a first rd pick

 

[Creeper]

The Cowboys signed all those offensive linemen in the offseason. I don't understand why if they were looking to draft an OG at 12. He has the position now. None of these other guys have a chance to be starters.

DT would absolutely have been a better move. Yes, any DT taken their would have been a little bit of a reach. But Harmon, Williams or Grant would have been an upgrade over anything Dallas has now.

I still would have taken Tyler Warren. I think in terms of impact in 2025, Warren would provide the greatest. He adds to the skill positions and give Dak a reliable target everywhere on the field but especially in the red zone.

Taking a OG in the first really makes the rest of this draft difficult. Had they gotten a WR, RB and DT in the first 3 rounds I think we would all be pretty happy.

And this does not solve the biggest problem on the OL, Tyler Guyton.

 

[nhcowboyfan]

To me, the highest upside at #12 would of been a DT. They could of had their choice with Nolen, but he fell, Harmon or Grant.

Smith has struggled, and it's not like Osa plays 100% of the snaps.

Dallas could of gone into TC with Bass, Hoffman, Richard, day 2/3 guard to compete at RG.
Would of they had the same upside as Booker? Probably not.
But, is that upside worth a better prospect at DT? To be determined.

I'm fine with passing on RB/WR/DE etc...
But DT is in a bad position. Just cause they gave Osa 20mil and Smith is entering his 3rd year there's no guarantee there's going to be growth from either one.

I too would have preferred selecting either Nolan or Grant with the 12th pick. Although an argument can be made that we needed to improve the OL, I think much of the regression in OL play over the past two seasons had to do with the OL coach. I think the new guy will be much better. Of the two lines, I believe the DL has way more concerns and questions about it's effectiveness going into this season. We lost DLaw who was solid against the run and Golston who provided some depth against both the run and pass. Presently, we have two reliable starters on the DL - Parsons and Osa, and I would prefer Parsons to play more at the LB position than as a pass-rushing DE specialist. We have to hope - and hope is not a strategy - that we get much more out of Mazi, Williams, and Kneeland.

 

[75boyz]

The Cowboys signed all those offensive linemen in the offseason. I don't understand why if they were looking to draft an OG at 12. He has the position now. None of these other guys have a chance to be starters.

DT would absolutely have been a better move. Yes, any DT taken their would have been a little bit of a reach. But Harmon, Williams or Grant would have been an upgrade over anything Dallas has now.

I still would have taken Tyler Warren. I think in terms of impact in 2025, Warren would provide the greatest. He adds to the skill positions and give Dak a reliable target everywhere on the field but especially in the red zone.

Taking a OG in the first really makes the rest of this draft difficult. Had they gotten a WR, RB and DT in the first 3 rounds I think we would all be pretty happy.

And this does not solve the biggest problem on the OL, Tyler Guyton.

Your first paragraph mentioning the acquisition of the 3 interior linemen while still also having Bass and Hoffman is borderline insanity for making that positional choice.
But consider the source.

Your DT logic and choices were spot on while the ultimate choice should have been Grant imo.

Your last mention of Guyton's ineptitude and why, if any position, why not Simmons at LT clinches the whole big picture of offensive line needs.

Roster building at its finest I tell ya.

 

[thunderpimp91]

The Cowboys signed all those offensive linemen in the offseason. I don't understand why if they were looking to draft an OG at 12. He has the position now. None of these other guys have a chance to be starters.

DT would absolutely have been a better move. Yes, any DT taken their would have been a little bit of a reach. But Harmon, Williams or Grant would have been an upgrade over anything Dallas has now.

I still would have taken Tyler Warren. I think in terms of impact in 2025, Warren would provide the greatest. He adds to the skill positions and give Dak a reliable target everywhere on the field but especially in the red zone.

Taking a OG in the first really makes the rest of this draft difficult. Had they gotten a WR, RB and DT in the first 3 rounds I think we would all be pretty happy.

And this does not solve the biggest problem on the OL, Tyler Guyton.

You're not wrong here, but a couple things about the Cowboys going OG in round 1.

1) I dont think they were really set on that at all. Had Tet McMillan been there I really think he was the pick. Bringing in these other interior guys did give them some flex to not go OL early
2) This could give them the position flex to move Smith out to LT if Guyton shows to be a dud once again. I don't think that is what they want to happen, but they at least have a plan B now at LT.

 

[75boyz]

You're not wrong here, but a couple things about the Cowboys going OG in round 1.

1) I dont think they were really set on that at all. Had Tet McMillan been there I really think he was the pick. Bringing in these other interior guys did give them some flex to not go OL early
2) This could give them the position flex to move Smith out to LT if Guyton shows to be a dud once again. I don't think that is what they want to happen, but they at least have a plan B now at LT.

Exactly.
Tyler Smith is currently the best LT on the team. So at the barest minimum picking Simmons as the LT (his medicals reportedly clear) would have addressed the actual oline needs.

Grant should have been the choice regardless imo.

 

[jblaze2004]

I wonder if the plan is to move Tyler Smith to LT if Guyton struggles in camp. It has to be right? No way we can go another season with terrible bookends. They were a huge part of the offensive line problems.

From Chatgpt:

In the 2024 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys' offensive tackle positions were manned by rookie Tyler Guyton on the left and veteran Terence Steele on the right. Both players faced challenges, but their performances differed in several key areas. Here's a detailed comparison of their Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and rankings:

---

PFF Grades and Rankings (2024 Season)​

Tyler Guyton (Left Tackle)​

• Overall Grade: 49.4 (115th out of 140 qualifying offensive tackles)
• Pass-Blocking Grade: 60.2 (81st/140)
• Run-Blocking Grade: 51.3 (116th/140)
• Penalties: 18 (2nd most among offensive tackles)
• Sacks Allowed: 6 (Tied for 120th)
• Total Pressures Allowed: 26

Terence Steele (Right Tackle)​

• Overall Grade: 67.0 (47th/140)
• Pass-Blocking Grade: 57.5 (90th/140)
• Run-Blocking Grade: 78.9 (13th/140)
• Penalties: 7 (100th/140)
• Sacks Allowed: 9 (135th/140)
• Total Pressures Allowed: 41Blogging The Boys+8PFF+8PlayerProfiler+8

---

Performance Analysis​

Tyler Guyton:As a first-round pick, Guyton was thrust into the starting left tackle role, a significant challenge given his transition from right tackle in college. His high penalty count and struggles in both pass protection and run blocking indicate the steep learning curve he faced. However, it's worth noting that rookies often experience such growing pains, and with proper development, Guyton has the potential to improve in subsequent seasons.


Terence Steele:Steele's performance was a mix of strengths and weaknesses. While his run-blocking grade was impressive, ranking 13th among tackles, his pass protection lagged, with a pass-blocking grade of 57.5. The high number of pressures and sacks allowed is concerning, especially for a veteran. Despite playing the most offensive snaps among tackles, his overall performance suggests areas needing improvement.

---

Comparative Insights​

• Experience vs. Youth: Steele's experience didn't necessarily translate to superior performance across the board. While he excelled in run blocking, his pass protection was subpar. Guyton, despite his rookie status, showed potential that could be harnessed with time and coaching.
• Penalty Discipline: Guyton's 18 penalties highlight a need for better discipline and technique refinement. Steele's 7 penalties indicate more consistency in this area.
• Pass Protection Concerns: Both tackles allowed a significant number of pressures and sacks, pointing to a broader issue in the Cowboys' offensive line pass protection scheme.

---

Outlook​

For the Cowboys to bolster their offensive line effectiveness, both tackles need targeted development.

• Tyler Guyton: With a full offseason to adjust and refine his technique, Guyton could make significant strides in his second year. Focusing on reducing penalties and improving footwork will be crucial.
• Terence Steele: As a veteran, Steele must address his pass protection deficiencies. Enhancing his agility and reaction to edge rushers could help reduce the number of pressures and sacks allowed.

Investing in coaching and possibly adding depth through the draft or free agency could also provide the necessary support to elevate the performance of both tackles in the upcoming season.

 

[Creeper]

Your first paragraph mentioning the acquisition of the 3 interior linemen while still also having Bass and Hoffman is borderline insanity for making that positional choice.
But consider the source.

Your DT logic and choices were spot on while the ultimate choice should have been Grant imo.

Your last mention of Guyton's ineptitude and why, if any position, why not Simmons at LT clinches the whole big picture of offensive line needs.

Roster building at its finest I tell ya.

If I was to take a DT, I would have taken Grant too. I don't think Dallas will take a DT until day 3 though. Maybe they will surprise us tonight.

 

[75boyz]

If I was to take a DT, I would have taken Grant too. I don't think Dallas will take a DT until day 3 though. Maybe they will surprise us tonight.

Yep. Immediate impact plus need plus value.
Another blown opportunity.

I think they take Collins in the 3rd. And I am somewhat skeptical of his motor/desire or MIA performances.
He's better than Mazi but that ain't exactly a high standard.

 

[conner01]

DT absolutely needs addressed still, but we need to stop overrating Brock Hoffman. Solid player, but a limited player. He had a couple great game, but started to fall off as more tape got out on him. Carolina, Tampa, and Philly games to end the year had a ton of red flags on the guy. Excellent depth, but you want to upgrade the position if you can which the Cowboys have clearly prioritized this offseason both via the draft and FA.

I get that Hoffman might be an avg guard. But my thinking is improve which position you can the most, we don’t have an avg WR2, DT. This kid could goid guard but does he make guard better than a WR or DT could have improved those positions?

 

[CCBoy]

I wonder if the plan is to move Tyler Smith to LT if Guyton struggles in camp. It has to be right? No way we can go another season with terrible bookends. They were a huge part of the offensive line problems.

From Chatgpt:

In the 2024 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys' offensive tackle positions were manned by rookie Tyler Guyton on the left and veteran Terence Steele on the right. Both players faced challenges, but their performances differed in several key areas. Here's a detailed comparison of their Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and rankings:

---

PFF Grades and Rankings (2024 Season)​

Tyler Guyton (Left Tackle)​

• Overall Grade: 49.4 (115th out of 140 qualifying offensive tackles)
• Pass-Blocking Grade: 60.2 (81st/140)
• Run-Blocking Grade: 51.3 (116th/140)
• Penalties: 18 (2nd most among offensive tackles)
• Sacks Allowed: 6 (Tied for 120th)
• Total Pressures Allowed: 26

Terence Steele (Right Tackle)​

• Overall Grade: 67.0 (47th/140)
• Pass-Blocking Grade: 57.5 (90th/140)
• Run-Blocking Grade: 78.9 (13th/140)
• Penalties: 7 (100th/140)
• Sacks Allowed: 9 (135th/140)
• Total Pressures Allowed: 41Blogging The Boys+8PFF+8PlayerProfiler+8

---

Performance Analysis​

Tyler Guyton:As a first-round pick, Guyton was thrust into the starting left tackle role, a significant challenge given his transition from right tackle in college. His high penalty count and struggles in both pass protection and run blocking indicate the steep learning curve he faced. However, it's worth noting that rookies often experience such growing pains, and with proper development, Guyton has the potential to improve in subsequent seasons.


Terence Steele:Steele's performance was a mix of strengths and weaknesses. While his run-blocking grade was impressive, ranking 13th among tackles, his pass protection lagged, with a pass-blocking grade of 57.5. The high number of pressures and sacks allowed is concerning, especially for a veteran. Despite playing the most offensive snaps among tackles, his overall performance suggests areas needing improvement.

---

Comparative Insights​

• Experience vs. Youth: Steele's experience didn't necessarily translate to superior performance across the board. While he excelled in run blocking, his pass protection was subpar. Guyton, despite his rookie status, showed potential that could be harnessed with time and coaching.
• Penalty Discipline: Guyton's 18 penalties highlight a need for better discipline and technique refinement. Steele's 7 penalties indicate more consistency in this area.
• Pass Protection Concerns: Both tackles allowed a significant number of pressures and sacks, pointing to a broader issue in the Cowboys' offensive line pass protection scheme.

---

Outlook​

For the Cowboys to bolster their offensive line effectiveness, both tackles need targeted development.

• Tyler Guyton: With a full offseason to adjust and refine his technique, Guyton could make significant strides in his second year. Focusing on reducing penalties and improving footwork will be crucial.
• Terence Steele: As a veteran, Steele must address his pass protection deficiencies. Enhancing his agility and reaction to edge rushers could help reduce the number of pressures and sacks allowed.

Investing in coaching and possibly adding depth through the draft or free agency could also provide the necessary support to elevate the performance of both tackles in the upcoming season.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...yton-smith-booker-cooper-beebe-terence-steele

Tyler Guyton (24) - Tyler Smith (24) - Cooper Beebe (24) - Tyler Booker (21) - Terence Steele (28)

This lineup will have an average age of 24.5 years (or 122.6 combined years) on opening day of the 2025 NFL season, which makes it the youngest offensive line in the NFL this season. If you’re not a Cowboys fan, that’s got to be a scary thought.

Here’s how all NFL teams compare in total combined offensive line age on opening day 2025, based on the Ourlads.com depth charts (which are usually quite accurate) from 4/25/25 which already include all the first-round picks from Thursday:

Rank​	Team​	Avg. Age​	​	Rank​	Team​	Avg. Age​	​	Rank​	Team​	Avg. Age​
1​	DAL​	24.5​	​	12​	MIA​	26.9​	​	23​	NE​	28.2​
2​	NYJ​	24.6​	​	13​	IND​	26.9​	​	24​	PHI​	28.4​
3​	NO​	25.3​	​	14​	GB​	26.9​	​	25​	DET​	28.7​
4​	SEA​	25.5​	​	15​	ARI​	27.0​	​	26​	CAR​	28.7​
5​	LV​	25.9​	​	16​	HOU​	27.1​	​	27​	LAR​	29.1​
6​	PIT​	26.1​	​	17​	TEN​	27.4​	​	28​	ATL​	29.3​
7​	KC​	26.1​	​	18​	CHI​	27.8​	​	29​	NYG​	29.5​
8​	TB​	26.2​	​	19​	MIN​	27.9​	​	30​	DEN​	29.5​
9​	LAC​	26.4​	​	20​	WAS​	27.9​	​	31​	CLE​	30.0​
10​	JAC​	26.5​	​	21​	CIN​	28.1​	​	32​	SF​	30.2​
11​	BAL​	26.5​	​	22​	BUF​	28.2​	​	​	​	​