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Pre-draft position preview: Tyron Smith, La’el Collins must stay healthy for Cowboys’ O-line to be a strength

Drafting a tackle on Day 2 could solve any potential problems along the offensive line.

The Dallas Cowboys made subtle moves in free agency, not counting the long-term deal reached with QB Dak Prescott, by signing a few veteran defensive players. But work remains before the 2021 team takes shape. This is the fifth of a 10-part series evaluating the roster entering the April 29-May 1 draft. Today’s focus is on the offensive line:

The offensive line will either head in a downward trend or maintain its status as a strong unit.

Three of the Cowboys’ best linemen — Tyron Smith, La’el Collins and Zack Martin —had injury issues in 2020. Martin played in a career-low 10 games, Smith played two games and Collins missed the season.

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If all three return, which is expected, the offensive line could be among the league’s best. However, if Smith (neck surgery) can’t regain his Pro Bowl form, there are problems at left tackle. Collins (hips) played his best football in 2019 before his health problems.

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The Cowboys need their Big 3 on the offensive line to return to form. If not, there will be problems in Frisco.

Draft need: 7 out of 10

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On the roster

PlayerAgeYears left
Connor Williams231
Tyler Biadasz233
Connor McGovern232
Brandon Knight241
Zack Martin304
Terence Steele232
La’el Collins274
Mitch Hyatt241
Tyron Smith303
Ty Nsekhe351

Position strengths

Zack Martin is one of the best guards in the NFL, and left tackle Tyron Smith is also an elite player. When Martin, Smith and right tackle La’el Collins are all healthy, the Cowboys’ offensive line is among the best in the league. Martin, Collins and Smith dealt with health problems in 2020.

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Position weakness

The Cowboys will be in trouble if tackles Tyron Smith and La’el Collins can’t stay healthy. Drafting a tackle on Day 2 can solve any potential problems, but Pro Bowlers Smith and Zack Martin can’t play forever. Martin is 30 and is signed through 2024. The Cowboys hope he plays at an elite level at guard for a few more years. Smith and Collins, two players coming off surgeries, are the questions for 2021. The Cowboys hope Tyler Biadasz emerges as the starting center.

Draft prospects

Rashawn Slater, Northwestern: Slater might be the second- or third-best tackle in the draft.

Alex Leatherwood, Alabama: If he’s there on Day 2, he would be a strong pick with position flexibility.

Sam Cosmi, Texas: A Day 3 selection is in his future. What about the Cowboys?

Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame: He might be a late first-round selection, if not, then possibly in Round 2.

Landon Dickerson, Alabama: This center is another one of those possible down-the-line picks.

Series schedule

April 5: Quarterback

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April 6: Running back

April 7: Wide receiver

April 8: Tight end

April 9: Offensive line

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April 10: Edge rusher

April 11: Defensive tackle

April 12: Linebacker

April 13: Cornerback

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April 14: Safety

Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.