Cowboys news: Zack Martin’s replacement might already be on the roster
Nobody can fill Martin’s shoes. But perhaps they might try again with a recognizable face when the time comes. The Cowboys have T.J. Bass waiting in the wings as possibly Zack Martin’s replacement There are several ways the Cowboys might replace Martin. If they are pleased with Brock Hoffman’s growth, they might start him at center while shifting 2024 third-round selection Cooper Beebe, who is expected to start at center this season, to guard, where he played extensively in college.
Beebe, on the other hand, could emerge as a center-field star. In that scenario, he is unlikely to swap positions, therefore Bass will succeed Martin. The Cowboys could always draft a guard high next year, but everything we hear from team reporters is that the team thinks highly of Bass.
Bass, who was signed as an undrafted free agent last April, made spot starts at left and right guard as a rookie, replacing Martin and Tyler Smith, respectively. He allowed six pressures, one sack, and five hurries on 190 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. It’s a small sample size, but the Cowboys trusted Bass enough to play him in twelve games. That’s a significant accomplishment for a rookie free agent. He played more than 20 plays in five of those games, cementing his position as the team’s best backup guard.
Tyler Smith might be about to take another step forward. Tyler Smith joined the Cowboys’ roster in 2022, when they selected him with the 24th overall pick. Smith, a left tackle in college, moved outside as a rookie after Tyron Smith was hurt. He then moved inside last year and thrived. That is why Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report named Smith as the guard who will “explode in 2024.” Tyler Smith was left tackle at Tulsa, but a move inside to left guard last fall helped him blossom into one of the NFL’s most imposing lines.
Ryan Fowler, Bleacher Report
Fowler took one player at each position, with Smith being the lone representative for Dallas. He added that the second-year player was a lock-down pass protector who surrendered just one sack and two quarterback hits. That performance has led to much praise for Smith, who was recently named among the top 25 players under 25.
Tyler Smith joined the ranks in 2022 when the Cowboys used the 24th overall selection on the Tulsa product. A left tackle collegiately, Smith played on the outside as a rookie when Tyron Smith was injured. He then shifted inside last year and excelled.
That’s why Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report selected Smith as the guard who will “explode in 2024.”
Tyler Smith lived at left tackle during his days at Tulsa, but a bump inside to left guard last fall has helped him evolve into one of the NFL’s most dominant linemen.
– Ryan Fowler, Bleacher Report
Fowler took one player at each position, with Smith being the lone representative for Dallas. He added that the second-year player was a lock-down pass protector who surrendered just one sack and two quarterback hits. That performance has led to much praise for Smith, who was recently named among the top 25 players under 25.
These Cowboys could be surprise cut candidates in 2024 – Mark Heaney, Inside The Star
Whose name could unexpectedly be left off the 53-man roster?
Wide Receiver, Jalen Tolbert
This entire offseason has included excitement about former 3rd round pick, Jalen Tolbert.
With Michael Gallup out of the picture and no external WR3 brought in, Tolbert falls next in line.
But, what if he doesn’t live up to the WR3 expectations?
We do have to remember, he only has 280 career yards for a reason.
Tolbert has had opportunities over his first two seasons, he just hasn’t capitalized on them to this point.
If that trend stays throughout the preseason process, why shouldn’t he be on the chopping block?
It would allow Dallas to give more snaps to young receivers like Jalen Brooks and Ryan Flournoy.Both of those guys are getting some big hype right now, and the Cowboys could prefer them.
Tolbert should not be considered a lock for the roster just because he was a top-100 pick three years ago.
Let’s hope Dallas gets more out of Schoonmaker than ESPN predicted. With the Cowboys expecting more from their second-round pick, ESPN’s Mike Clay has cut his 2024 forecasts, and while Schoonmaker has “improved,” it is unlikely to be enough to quell concerns about his decision. Luke Schoonmaker’s 2024 projection: 12 receptions, 125 yards, and 1 touchdown. Here at CowboysCountry.com, we have a slogan called “Let the cake bake,” and we don’t evaluate a player or draw conclusions based on one season (hi, Jalen Tolbert). But if Schoonmaker produces the stat line that ESPN predicts for 2024, we have to ask if Dallas and Will McClay made a mistake by selecting him in the second round.
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