The 2024 NFL Draft is complete and the Dallas Cowboys Offensive linemen group has a new look and new depth. Dallas selected three offensive line prospects out of their eight total selections, beefing up the line quickly. Here’s a breakdown of the Dallas Cowboys’ newest offensive linemen for 2024.
Dallas Cowboys Allocate Three of Eight 2024 NFL Draft Picks to Offensive Linemen
R1, p29: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
NFL Pro Comparison: Mike McGlinchey
The Dallas Cowboys traded back from pick 24 to 29 in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting Tyler Guyton, offensive tackle from the University of Oklahoma. Guyton measures 6’8, 322 pounds with an 82.25-inch wingspan. He has large, accurate hands that are crucial in the trenches. What he may lack in starting experience, he makes up for in pancake blocks. In his 20 games with Oklahoma, he allowed just two sacks.
On paper, Guyton looks like a supernatural freak of a man. On turf, the story is different.
Despite his athleticism, Guyton misses targets in space more than he should. Guyton spent two seasons with TCU and two with Oklahoma, battling injuries with both teams. He has trouble pressing defenders out of his frame. The biggest concern with this draft choice is his health. Availability is the best ability in the NFL, and the Cowboys can not afford another liability on the team’s most important unit.
It’s a lot to ask for a 22-year-old rookie to step into the shoes of Tyron Smith, who held down the line for 13 seasons. While there are some health and blocking concerns, Guyton’s impact will be felt sooner than later in Dallas. Expect him to anchor the Cowboys Offensive linemen from day one.
R3, P73: Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas State
NFL Pro Comparison: Kevin Zeitler
“I’m kind of going in with the mentality that I’m going to do whatever the team needs me to do to win, and if that involves center, that’s going to be something that I’m going to do for the team,” Beebe said. “Whatever they need me to do, I’m going to do.”
Beebe possesses a strong, natural ability to drive defenders onto their backs. Oftentimes, you can spot Beebe paving the road with fiery aggression. Beebe’s wide build will give Jalen Carter’s bull rush technique some trouble. The Cowboys offensive linemen should be happy with their new playmaker.
In Beebe’s 1,488 pass-blocking snaps in college, he has allowed just five sacks. He’s only committed three penalties in two years. Both of these attributes likely caught Jerry Jones’ eye quickly.
The Cowboys offensive line isn’t immediately the best in the world with Beebe. He has short arms, inconsistent hand placement, and often lacks the ideal speed or range when asked to pull. He’s likely going to have to make the switch to center, which is not an overnight job.
Cooper Beebe is ultimately a project. He makes flashy plays and is willing to switch positions, but he’s still a raw talent. Beebe’s development could be vital for the Dallas Cowboys Offensive line in 2024.
R7, P233: Nathan Thomas, OT, Louisiana
NFL Pro Comparison: James Hudson
The anchors drafted in the first three rounds are likely to become early starters for Dallas. Thomas is going to need more development than the others. It’s not simply due to his late-round selection, but rather the depth Dallas possesses at Left Tackle.
The newest Cowboy works hard for proper positioning before contact, stays on top of run blocks, and doesn’t get bullied around when it comes to a bull rush. He has the size, and he’s capable of sealing blocks laterally with his footwork. By definition, Thomas is a run-blocker.
While he excels in sealing blocks laterally, Thomas’ linear run blocking leaves something to be desired. He struggles with sending his weight too far forward, leaving him exposed to tricky spin moves and swim moves commonly found in the NFL. He lacks the quickness to mirror defenders, and the NFL is quick. It’s never fun to say this, but don’t be surprised if he ends up as a practice squad player.
Main Image: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
