Training camp is very close to going back to what it always was. July 21 is the date that Dallas will be able to begin its preparation in Oxnard because it will be part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 8. For that reason we will be analyzing the situation of each player according to their position. Today: offensive tackles.
What was once the franchise’s strength became a weakness last season. While it is true that injuries were the reason why that happened, it is not a minor issue. While choosing not to pick an offensive tackle with the 12th overall pick is an indication that there is confidence in the return of the starters at this spot. The rest of the protagonists will be looking to keep a place in the training camp.
Full list of available players
Tyron Smith and La’el Collins are logically the ones leading the pack. Ty Nsekhe is a veteran who came in free agency to add dependable depth to the offensive line. Terence Steele and Brandon Knight are the ones who filled the vacancies with the loss of the star linemen in the recent season. Mitch Hyatt, rookie Josh Ball and Mexican Isaac Alarcón are the other three who will be competing for the roster.
Those who have a secure place
There will be a lot to define on the depth chart in the coming weeks in Oxnard, California. However, there are two players who can already write with indelible ink as long as their physical conditions allow it. There is no question that Smith will be the left tackle and Collins will line up on the right side of the formation.
In the bubble
Saying who will be the swing tackle or mentioning those who will complete the roster is not easy in this instance. Especially since there is so much parity that workouts will be really important in determining which tackles will stick. Beyond that reality, it is possible to see that the options are more interesting than a year ago.
The experienced Nsekhe gives the feeling of being the favorite for snaps should it be necessary to go to the bench. It should not be taken for granted simply because it has recently arrived because it still needs to be closely evaluated. A valuable example to remember is the departure of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix without even being on the final roster in 2020.
Ball is another who could have a pretty good chance for being a draft pick. Although he will also have to demonstrate his ability because he was only chosen in the fourth round and his investment cost was not so high that he was distracted. You run ahead, but you must show that you are willing to learn.
Steele was a soft spot on the line last season after arriving as an undrafted free agent. His performance was not good. However, entrusting such a task to a rookie and having high expectations is not fair. The bright side that he’s had so much playing time is that he gained invaluable experience. Knight’s situation is very similar to being a UDFA with ten starts in two NFL seasons.
Less chances
It could be said that Alarcón enters this category because of the competition that lies ahead of him. Being in the International Player Pathway Program allowed him to be on the practice team all year without occupying a spot. That learning could continue for another season to develop further.
Hyatt was slated to find his place when he arrived in Dallas in 2019. The Clemson graduate has yet to exploit his full potential, though. When he was ready to fight for a spot among the 53 in last training camp, he suffered an injury that prevented him. Now maybe he lost some ground to the other tackles on the team.
Job expectations
What is expected of the headlines is nothing other than availability. The offense began to unravel very early in the last season with the loss of Collins before the inaugural SNF. Soon after, Smith’s unfortunate neck discomfort came and forced him to undergo surgery. From then on everything went into a steep decline.
Although that need for them is greater now because Dak Prescott will be coming back from a broken ankle. With his new $ 160 million contract, the mission of protecting the quarterback is even more important to the future of the team. Prescott’s safety will be much more favorable if they are both part of the line.
