Cowboys' mediocre OL ranking comes down to one unresolved question on Dak Prescott's blind side

The Dallas Cowboys open training camp on July 28 in Oxnard with Dak Prescott coming off a career-best statistical year. He threw for 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, completing 67.3% of his passes. 

Brian Schottenheimer's offense was one of the NFL's highest-scoring groups, powered by Javonte Williams' 1,201 rushing yards and a dominant receiver duo in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

Despite that production, analytics site Warren Sharp ranks the Cowboys' offensive line at No. 18. The mediocre grade is not a reflection of the entire line. Instead, it centers on left tackle Tyler Guyton, who faces immense pressure to protect Prescott's blind side.

Guyton’s sophomore season was shaky. Pro Football Focus gave him a 57.5 overall grade, ranking 71st among 89 qualified tackles. His pass-blocking grade was even lower at 50.0, placing him 81st. While his run blocking was steadier, elite pass protection is the priority at left tackle, especially when protecting a quarterback who excels downfield when given clean pockets.

Dallas addressed this vulnerability in April by drafting Penn State Nittany Lions’ Drew Shelton in the fourth round. Shelton gives them a reliable safety net and some direct competition, rather than a sign that the front office has given up on Guyton, who spent the offseason working on his technique with former Cowboy Tyron Smith.

The rest of the offensive line remains in excellent shape. Tyler Smith enters his fourth year as a premier guard, and Tyler Booker is coming off a strong rookie season. The success of Dallas' "Three Tylers" experiment rests entirely on Guyton proving he belongs at left tackle, which explains why the line sits at No. 18.

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