In recent months, coach Brian Schottenheimer signaled that competition at left tackle would be intense, featuring first-year tackle Guyton and 2024 seventh-round pick Nate Thomas. Last season, Guyton faced ankle injuries during training camp and carried the effects into the regular season, limiting his effectiveness. He entered the summer with a chance to seize the starting left tackle job, and while he performed well enough in camp, the battle tilted in his favor due to Thomas’ struggles during the offseason practices.
Thomas has also drawn reps at right tackle and could serve as the swing tackle for the Cowboys. The objective for Dallas is to establish a dependable left tackle duo to maintain Prescott’s pocket integrity and to keep the high-powered interior blocks clean for the moving parts of the run game.
A notable voice in the evaluation process is former Cowboys scout and current media contributor Brian Broaddus. In a roster projection for the upcoming season, Broaddus highlighted Thomas as a potential casualty, choosing to omit him from the 53-man list. His projection instead emphasized other linemen and suggested that Thomas might end up on the practice squad or be kept as a reserve option among a broader nine- or ten-man group.
Broaddus’ assessment placed emphasis on other veterans and situational options. He suggested that Drew Shelton, a fourth-round pick from Penn State, could be on the roster but might be in danger of being displaced by a veteran add. Shelton’s performance during summer workouts appeared uneven at times, fueling debate about whether he could deliver the required consistency at the pro level. The debate underscored the Cowboys’ willingness to explore veteran depth at the position if the young players do not meet performance expectations.
During a recent podcast appearance, Broaddus outlined his preferred depth chart, describing a contingent that includedTyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker, Terence Steele, Nick Leverett, Ajani Cornelius, TJ Bass, and Dre Shelton as the nine active bodies, with Thomas pushed into a deeper role or potential roster decision depending on how the rest of the line develops. He also suggested that in a true emergency, the Cowboys could shift Tyler Smith from guard to tackle to address any crisis on the edge.
With the projection debate, it’s important to consider the team’s public statements and the broader industry consensus. Multiple roster previews from outlets including the Dallas Morning News, The Athletic, and ESPN have given varied opinions on which players will land the final spots. Some projections keep Thomas in the mix as a reserve tackle or swing option, while others favor keeping a larger veteran presence or more proven depth at guard and tackle.
The central question for Dallas remains: can Nate Thomas or the other youngsters seize a steady role, or will the Cowboys rely on veteran depth to steady the line until the younger players prove themselves? The debate touches several themes:
– Depth and versatility: A flexible group that can slide players between guard and tackle is highly valuable, especially for a team that wants to maximize its matchups against top pass rushes.
– Development vs. immediate impact: Young players need meaningful reps to prove they can handle pro-level duties, but the coaching staff also must balance development with winning games in the short term.
– Health and continuity: An injury to any starter would test the depth further, making the swing tackle position more critical than ever.
As the season approaches, the Cowboys will be evaluating their reserve linemen in practice and preseason games to determine who can be trusted in high-leverage situations. The objective is a cohesive unit that can protect Prescott and pave the way for the running game while adapting to opponents’ game plans.
If everything falls into place, the Cowboys’ offense could be one of the league’s most potent, with the star wide receivers, a dynamic backfield, and a quarterback who excels at distributing the ball to multiple playmakers. The linemen’s performance will be a deciding factor in whether the offense reaches its ceiling. The team will continue to monitor options, weighing the potential ofShelton, Thomas, and the rest of the depth chart as they finalize the 53-man roster and build a stable, productive offensive line for the 2026 season.
