The Dallas Cowboys select a replacement for Terence Steele in the most recent mock draft.

In the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, teams are constantly looking for ways to bolster their rosters, whether through free agency, trades, or the draft. For the Dallas Cowboys, one of the key areas that has drawn attention in recent months is the offensive line. As of the 2024 season, Terence Steele, the Cowboys’ starting right tackle, has been a focal point of conversation surrounding the team’s future. While Steele has shown promise over the years, his inconsistent play and injury history have prompted many to speculate that the Cowboys may need to invest in a long-term solution at the right tackle position.

In the latest mock draft, the Cowboys appear to have heeded this concern by selecting a player who could step into Steele’s role and elevate the team’s offensive line for years to come. This selection marks an important move by the Cowboys’ front office, one that addresses a key need while also providing a glimpse into the team’s plans for the future.

The Current State of the Cowboys’ Offensive Line

To fully understand the significance of this pick, it’s crucial to assess the state of the Cowboys’ offensive line heading into the 2025 season. Over the past few seasons, Dallas has consistently boasted one of the league’s better offensive lines, thanks to the contributions of stalwart players such as Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, and the aforementioned Terence Steele. However, the line is beginning to show signs of aging, with Smith’s injury struggles becoming more pronounced and Martin’s prime years behind him.

Terence Steele, while an undrafted free agent success story, has been a key cog on the right side of the line. His ability to play both tackle positions when needed has been valuable, but questions about his ability to be a consistent performer in the long term have grown. The Cowboys’ front office has long been committed to bolstering the offensive line, recognizing that a strong offensive line is crucial for both the run and passing games. With a franchise quarterback in Dak Prescott and a dynamic running back in Tony Pollard, the importance of protecting these assets cannot be overstated.

As Steele’s contract situation and performance continue to raise questions, the Cowboys may find themselves in a position where they need to invest in a replacement who can not only start immediately but also provide long-term stability at the position.

The Selection: A New Right Tackle for the Cowboys

In the most recent mock draft, the Dallas Cowboys are projected to select a new right tackle, a player who has the potential to immediately start and provide an upgrade over Steele’s inconsistent play. This player’s combination of size, strength, and technical ability would give the Cowboys a dependable piece on their offensive line for the foreseeable future.

The mock draft selection focuses on a player who fits the Cowboys’ typical draft strategy: a prospect who is not only talented but also has the necessary intangibles to fit into the team’s culture. This player is described as having a rare blend of size and agility, making him a versatile option for a team in need of a more reliable right tackle. Given that the Cowboys have historically favored players with a high football IQ and a strong work ethic, the selection of this particular player makes sense in terms of both need and fit.

Player Profile: The Ideal Right Tackle for the Cowboys

The player selected in this mock draft is a top-tier offensive tackle prospect known for his impressive physical traits and polished technique. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 320 pounds, he possesses the ideal frame to play right tackle in the NFL. His agility and footwork are exceptional for a man of his size, allowing him to mirror edge rushers and pass rushers with ease. These traits are particularly valuable in a division like the NFC East, which features fast, athletic pass rushers.

On film, this prospect has demonstrated the ability to anchor against power rushers and quickly recover against speed rushers. His combination of strength and athleticism makes him a powerful asset in both pass protection and the running game. What sets him apart from many of his peers is his intelligence on the field—he reads defenses well and adjusts his technique based on the situation, something that the Cowboys’ offensive line coach will surely appreciate.

This player is also known for his durability and work ethic, having started for multiple seasons at a major college program. The Cowboys have consistently targeted prospects with these qualities, knowing that offensive linemen need to have both physical ability and mental toughness to thrive in the NFL. This pick would be an investment in the future of the offensive line, allowing the Cowboys to develop a new anchor on the right side.

Steele’s Future with the Cowboys

Terence Steele has been a reliable player for the Cowboys, but his future with the team is in question as the franchise seeks stability on the offensive line. Although Steele has had moments of solid play, his struggles with consistency and injuries have made him a polarizing figure among fans and analysts alike. Injuries have kept him sidelined for stretches, and his pass protection can sometimes be a liability in critical moments.

It’s important to note that this selection does not necessarily spell the end for Steele in Dallas. The Cowboys could decide to keep him as a valuable depth piece, allowing the rookie to develop behind him. Steele’s versatility would also allow him to slide into a guard or swing tackle role, providing additional depth for the team. However, if the Cowboys feel that the rookie can provide an immediate upgrade at right tackle, Steele could eventually become expendable, either through trade or a release.

The decision to draft a right tackle signals that the Cowboys’ front office is preparing for a potential transition in the near future. Even if Steele remains with the team for a few more seasons, the addition of a new right tackle could allow the Cowboys to upgrade their offensive line and secure better protection for Prescott and Pollard.

Long-Term Impact on the Cowboys’ Offense

The addition of a new right tackle would have a significant impact on the Cowboys’ offense as a whole. The team is built around Dak Prescott and Tony Pollard, two players who require a strong offensive line to maximize their potential. Prescott has been known to thrive in clean pockets, and Pollard’s explosive running style benefits from the lanes created by a solid offensive line. With a more consistent and capable right tackle, Prescott would have improved protection in the pocket, allowing him more time to make reads and decisions.

For Pollard, a strong right tackle could lead to more consistent running lanes, allowing him to exploit defenses more effectively. Pollard has the speed and agility to make defenders miss, but having a reliable offensive line that can create holes in the defense would only enhance his playmaking ability.

In the long term, this selection would set the Cowboys up for sustained success by strengthening one of the most important positions on the field. Offensive line play is often the unsung hero of a successful offense, and the Cowboys appear to recognize that investing in this area is essential to the team’s future.

The Dallas Cowboys’ Draft Strategy and the Future

The Cowboys’ decision to select a new right tackle in this mock draft is part of a broader strategy to keep the team competitive in both the short and long term. The Cowboys have demonstrated a willingness to invest in positions of need, whether through free agency or the draft, and the offensive line is clearly a priority moving forward.

While the Cowboys’ offensive line has been a strength for many years, it is aging, and the team is likely preparing for a future without some of its veteran players. By selecting a top-tier offensive tackle prospect, the Cowboys would be securing a future anchor on the right side of the line, one who could protect Prescott and clear lanes for Pollard for many seasons to come.

In addition to addressing the offensive line, the Cowboys will likely continue to look for ways to improve their defense, add depth to their receiving corps, and strengthen other key areas of the team. However, the offensive line remains a critical building block of any successful team, and the selection of a new right tackle reflects the Cowboys’ commitment to sustaining success and protecting their most valuable assets.