Cowboys post-draft roster review: Offensive line

Here is a look at the state of the Cowboys offensive line group.

On Thursday, the Dallas Cowboys wrapped up their third day of mandatory OTAs. New head coach Brian Schottenheimer had drawn a lot of praise for his interactions with the media, and George Pickens has started to fit in with the team. We’ve also seen young players integrated with the veterans in their first action with the collective team. Dallas’ first-round pick Tyler Booker has stepped right in as the team’s right guard. This comes as no surprise, yet it’s telling of the faith the Cowboys have entrusted in Booker and their revamped offensive line.

In our roster preview, we continue with the big men in the trenches, the offensive line.

The young guys

Tyler Guyton

The selection of Booker marked a consecutive year where the Cowboys kicked off their draft by selecting an offensive lineman. Last year’s top pick, Tyler Guyton, faced his share of adversity in his first NFL season. First, the pressure of replacing a legend in Tyron Smith, who recently retired as a Dallas Cowboy this offseason. Though it did not go as initially hoped, Guyton has a terrific physical skillset to build from.

He’s a tremendous athlete for his 6’8”, 322 lb. build, with very good mobility when on the move. Where he has to improve on is his technique, and avoiding getting overextended on his initial punch against pass rushers. He also drew multiple penalties last season. The good news is Guyton does look like he’s added some strength in the offseason, and a change in physique should yield better results in year two as well as being further acclimated with the NFL. His continued growth is the most vital element in the success of the offensive line in 2025.

Cooper Beebe

In 2024, Cooper Beebe did a terrific job of taking over at center, replacing Tyler Biadasz who signed with the Washington Commanders. Beebe came to Dallas as a collegiate guard at Kansas State and transitioned well to center as a first-year player and that alone deserves praise.

Beebe has garnered a reputation as a tireless worker with an excellent work ethic. He’s compactly built and very strong as an interior lineman. Expect the team to thrust more on his plate as he grows more comfortable with his new role. His physicality is exactly the type of player the Cowboys need to contend with the interior defenses in the NFC East that feature players like Jalen Carter, Dexter Lawrence, and Daron Payne.

Tyler Booker

Booker was inserted into the starting offensive line as soon as OTAs began and the Cowboys are looking for an immediate return on their first-round investment. This signifies that the team is entrusting him to fit in seamlessly with his young counterparts along the offensive line.

Draft analysts raved about the maturity and leadership of Booker, a characteristic that will suit him well to start his career. The former member of the Alabama Crimson Tide is a very smartplayer who rarely makes mental mistakes in pass protection and can match power with power. Booker is effectively the replacement for the recently retired Zack Martin and the Cowboys hope they’ve found their next great right guard of the future.

The veterans

Tyler Smith

The third Tyler of the offensive line ensemble, Tyler Smith, has been exceptional during his short NFL career and is the most decorated member of the offensive line. Smith is coming off his second consecutive Pro Bowl season, after being selected a Second-Team All-Pro in 2023. Smith is the most complete offensive lineman the Cowboys have. He has the power to hold up mammoth defensive tackles and the athleticism to land blocks in space. Not to mention, although the team is hesitant to move him, he could kick out to left tackle in case of emergency.

At 24 years old, he’s still got so much more potential. The only question about Smith is his next contract. Smith is entering the final year of his rookie contract before his fifth-year option kicks in. He’s undoubtedly going to be one of the highest-paid offensive linemen when his time comes.

Terence Steele

Terence Steele is a much better run blocker than a pass blocker. When he’s healthy, he’s a road-grading right tackle that opens holes for running backs. However, his pass blocking has been a concern for the Cowboys the last few seasons. Per PFF, the contrast is stark. In 2024, Steele had a run-blocking PFF grade of 78.9 versus 58.5 as a pass blocker. Steele is entering the year with a cap hit of $18.1M. If Steele regresses or has another uneven season, it could be his last season with the team. After this year, this dead cap hit drops considerably. As the most veteran player, you rely on him to deliver more even performances. Hopefully, 2025 will be one of his better years.

Reserves

Asim Richards

Asim Richards is one of the more interesting wild cards among the offensive line. With Chuma Edoga out of the picture, Richards steps in as the team’s top reserve left tackle. Richards has occasionally held his own when pressed into action and spelled Tyler Guyton in spurts last season. Like Edoga, Richards can fit in and play guard or offensive tackle. He should see plenty of action in the preseason and training camp at both spots to give the coaches an extended look at where he would be best suited if counted upon.

Brock Hoffman

Since joining the Cowboys after being released from the Cleveland Browns practice squad, Brock Hoffman has given the Cowboys a jolt when inserted into the starting lineup. Hoffman started seven games in 2024 in place of Zack Martin and provided an edge to the Cowboys’ running game that went hand-in-hand with Rico Dowdle finishing the season with over 1,000 yards rushing. It’s tough that Hoffman doesn’t get the chance to prove he can be a starter after losing the starting center job to Beebe last season and Booker this year. Yet he’ll be even more determined to prove his worth as the primary backup. He plays through the whistle and has an edge to his game, making defenses pay for letting him get to the second level.

T. J. Bass

The undrafted free agent has done well to provide a solid backup option for the interior of the line, and has played serviceably when called upon. He has a battle this year with some new free agent signings.