3 projected starters Cowboys would be wise to have a “Plan B” for

The Cowboys would be wise to have backup plans at a few places on their roster.

We are now officially a little less than a month away until the Dallas Cowboys report to Oxnard, California for training camp this year. That means all of our questions and concerns may finally start having answers. Until that happens though, all we can do is hope and pray everything turns out all right.

While hoping everything turns out all right for the Cowboys is fine and dandy, it’s also important for the organization to have all their ducks in a row as much as possible prior to the start of the 2024 season. That means having backup and contingency plans in place if things don’t turn out the way they had expected.

With all of that in mind, we thought we’d take a look at a few projected starters this year who the Cowboys would be wise to have a “Plan B” for in case they aren’t ready for such a role for whatever reason. Hopefully things go as planned though, however, being prepared for the worst is never a bad idea.

DT Mazi Smith

The 26th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft made minimal impact last year with the Cowboys as a rookie, playing only 304 (28.41%) of the defensive snaps behind the starting one-technique Jonathan Hankins. With Hankins gone though, Mazi Smith’s role as expect to expand significantly, so much so he is now the projected starter this year.

Unfortunately, Smith showed very little last year to suggest he’s ready to take on a larger role. And add in the fact he’ll be in a new system under Mike Zimmer, the Cowboys would be wise to have a backup plan in place in case he’s not ready to start. Sadly, right now there is little to nothing behind him on the depth chart that could be considered a “Plan B”. The Cowboys need to add a veteran capable of stepping in along the way.

LT Tyler Guyton

Unless something changes in training camp, it’s looking as if Tyler Guyton is who the Cowboys are planning to take over for Tyron Smith at left tackle. Replacing a future Hall of Famer is a lot to ask for any rookie, but especially for one who plays one of the most important positions on the field with very little college experience at the position.

The 29th overall pick this year had a grand total of 14 starts in two seasons at Oklahoma – 13 at right tackle and one at left tackle. Considering his lack of experience, do the Cowboys have a “Plan B” in place if he’s not ready? Tyler Smith is obviously one choice, but they have other options as well although none of them inspire much confidence.

OC Cooper Beebe

Cooper Beebe’s future with the Cowboys may be at another position, but so far in 2024 the 73rd overall pick this year is expected to replace Tyler Biadasz as their starting center. While he proved to be one of the more versatile offensive lineman in this year’s draft during his time at Kansas State, center was not one of the positions he has ever started.

While there’s faith Beebe has the talent and smarts to step in and take over as a starting OC, there is also a significant concern he may not be ready. If he’s not ready, it looks as if the Cowboys have a “Plan B” in Brock Hoffman, but even he has only two career starts in the league. That’s good and all, however, a more reliable option might be a better backup plan.