The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line has undergone a significant transformation this season. What initially looked like a potential weak point has quickly turned into a story of rejuvenation and future promise. While injuries have accelerated this overhaul, the Cowboys’ front office and scouting department have proven that sometimes, taking risks and trusting internal options pays off in the long run.
The Offseason Controversy: Letting Key Veterans Walk
This offseason, the Cowboys faced criticism for allowing two major figures from their offensive line to leave. The decision to let veteran All-Pro tackle Tyron Smith walk in free agency, especially after his healthiest season in years, raised eyebrows. Similarly, the departure of Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz, who signed elsewhere for a bigger paycheck, left two significant gaps on the line. What made matters worse was the team’s relatively minimal moves to address these voids, with the only notable addition being veteran swing tackle Chuma Edoga, who struggled last season.
On paper, it appeared to be a risky move—entering a new season with a thin offensive line and little action in free agency. But in typical Cowboys fashion, what seemed like a potential crisis in March began to take shape by December.
Building from Within: Trusting the Roster
The Cowboys’ confidence in their ability to handle these losses stemmed from their internal depth, developed over the past few seasons. In 2022, Tyron Smith’s injury led to rookie Tyler Smith stepping up at left tackle. Despite his rawness, Tyler performed admirably, and when he moved to his preferred left guard position the following year, he immediately flourished, earning All-Pro honors.
With Tyler Smith’s ability to swing between tackle and guard, the Cowboys felt comfortable letting Tyron Smith go. They knew they had a reliable option at left guard, and if needed, they could call on Tyler Smith to step into the tackle role without missing a beat.
The Cowboys also had some contingency plans in place when it came to replacing Biadasz. Undrafted interior lineman Brock Hoffman had shown promise last year when he filled in for Biadasz due to injury. Though the team had other plans to address the line, Hoffman’s performance gave them confidence that they had a viable backup option.
Drafting for the Future: Guyton and Beebe
While the Cowboys felt comfortable with their internal options, they knew they had to address the offensive line through the draft. The 2023 draft was loaded with talent, and the Cowboys capitalized on the opportunity. Moving up in the first round, they selected tackle Tyler Guyton and guard Cooper Beebe.
Guyton, who played right tackle in college, was moved to left tackle to protect Dak Prescott’s blindside. Beebe, a college guard, was shifted to center, a position that had been problematic for the Cowboys in recent years. It’s been a trial by fire for both players, but they’ve shown enough potential to be a core part of the future offensive line.
Rising to the Occasion: Hoffman and Beebe’s Impact
This season, injuries have played a crucial role in fast-tracking these changes. Zack Martin, the stalwart right guard, has missed the last two games due to injury, allowing Brock Hoffman to step into a starting role. To the surprise of many, Hoffman has delivered, providing a physical and aggressive presence on the line. He’s shown an ability to win at the point of attack, dominate defenders, and add a level of nastiness to the line that had been missing in previous seasons.
Cooper Beebe’s transition to center has been seamless. In his first two games at the position, Beebe faced elite defensive linemen like Dexter Lawrence and didn’t allow a single hurry across 50 pass-rushing snaps. His quickness off the snap and ability to anchor against powerful defenders has strengthened the Cowboys’ interior line significantly.
Tyler Guyton, while still developing, has faced a rough rookie season. Injuries have hindered his progress, but when healthy, he’s shown signs of improvement. With more repetition, he has the potential to be a long-term solution at left tackle.
The Youth Movement: A New Look Offensive Line
What was once an aging offensive line has now been restructured with a younger, more dynamic group:
- LT Tyler Guyton (22)
- LG Tyler Smith (23)
- C Cooper Beebe (23)
- RG Brock Hoffman (25)
- RT Terence Steele (27)
Behind them, the Cowboys also have promising depth:
- Swing OT Asim Richards (24)
- Swing iOL T.J. Bass (25)
This revamped line is both youthful and full of potential. The combination of young talent, seasoned players like Steele, and the rise of players like Hoffman and Beebe is giving the Cowboys offensive line a much-needed boost.
Though this offensive line overhaul may not have been part of the Cowboys’ original plan, it’s shaping up to be a long-term success. With Tyler Smith, Beebe, and Hoffman proving themselves as key contributors, the Cowboys have built a solid foundation for years to come. And while there may still be more work to be done, including potential moves in the draft, the future is bright for the Cowboys’ offensive line.
This young group may face growing pains, but the upside is clear. With each game, the Cowboys’ decision to fast-track this overhaul appears to be paying off, and the team’s future at the line looks as promising as ever.
