Figuring out OT depth chart will be a Cowboys’ priority in training camp

The Cowboys offensive line will command a lot of attention during training camp.

In a little less than a month, on July 24, the Dallas Cowboys report to training camp in Oxnard, California. They have no shortage of things they need to figure out prior to the start of the 2024 NFL season, but a huge priority should be identifying Tyron Smith’s replacement at left tackle and filling out the rest of the depth chart at offensive tackle.

The only thing we really know about the Cowboys offensive tackle position as things stand right now is Terence Steele will return as the starter on the right side. Who ends up stepping in for Tyron Smith as the new starting blindside protector and how the remainder of the depth chart falls into place will be an important part of solving the puzzle of the 2024 roster.

Surprisingly enough, the Cowboys have options aplenty who will be heavily scrutinized in practice at training camp as well as in the preseason at offensive tackle. They would absolutely love it if Tyler Guyton, this year’s first-round pick (29th overall), emerged as the surefire starter at left tackle, but given his lack of experience it still isn’t a sure thing..

Guyton made only 14 career starts during his time at Oklahoma – 13 at right tackle and one at left tackle. Asking him to immediately step in as a rookie for Tyron Smith is a lot of pressure to put on a first-year player, especially one with very little experience at the position even in college. But, fingers remain crossed that’s exactly what happens.

If Guyton isn’t ready to step in as the starting left tackle, the Cowboys may have to get creative. That’s especially true if they want to keep Tyler Smith as their starting left guard. If either of those two aren’t options, Dallas may have to turn to their veteran utility offensive lineman Chuma Edoga, last year’s swing OT/OG.

Edoga played a total of 420 offensive snaps (312 at LT, 101 at LG, 6 at TE) last year with the Dallas Cowboys according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Other than Tyler Smith, he is the most experienced OT currently on the Cowboys roster. Despite the experience he holds over others on the roster, he is best served to play a backup role once again in 2024.

Beyond Edoga, the Cowboys other options to not only potentially replace Tyron Smith as a new starting LT, but to also fill out the depth chart, don’t inspire much confidence. In fact, the remaining options are downright scary to think about in any kind of significant role, either as a starter or primary backup. A veteran option may be needed.

Seeing as how left tackle is arguably the most important position in the league outside of quarterback, the Cowboys can’t afford not to find an adequate replacement for Tyron Smith. Sorting out all of this mess and figuring out who fits where on the OT depth chart will be a huge priority in training camp.