The Dallas Cowboys are more concerned with other issues than just Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb’s contract extensions, despite popular belief.Prior to the regular season, they must decide on the following three matters.
Who will be the first-choice powerful safety?
With players like Markquese Bell and Donovan Wilson vying for the position, the strong safety position is up for grabs under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer this season. Although Wilson has played in 66 games over five seasons, he frequently uses physicality as a way to compensate for his lack of coverage abilities. 2022 saw him lead the squad with 101 tackles, but 2023 saw him have less of an influence.
Bell came to Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2022 but played linebacker for the team last year, finishing with 94 tackles, four pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. But at 205 pounds, he’s a bit undersized for a linebacker. He could move back to his natural safety position now that second-year linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is back from an ACL tear that forced him to miss the entire 2023 season.
Who will play center?
Now that Tyler Biadasz is a Commander, the Cowboys need to find a starting center. They’d love to see third-round pick Cooper Beebe win the job, but he’s never actually played center. As a consensus All-American and two-time Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, Beebe’s resume speaks for itself but his lack of experience at the position could keep Brock Hoffman on the field a bit longer.
An undrafted free agent in 2022, Hoffman saw action in 17 regular season games last season. He played 222 snaps without allowing a sack and more importantly, he made two starts at center.
Who will be the starting left tackle?
The Cowboys drafted Oklahoma right tackle Tyler Guyton in the first round to replace longtime left tackle Tyron Smith who signed with the Jets. At 6-foot-7 and 328 pounds, Guyton has ideal size but little experience, especially at left tackle.
Per Pro Football Focus, Guyton had 70 snaps at left tackle in college but only one in 2023. If he struggles in camp, Tyler Smith would likely move over from left guard. Smith played 17 games at left tackle in 2022 but earned his first Pro Bowl nomination at guard last season.
Reports on Guyton have been excellent out of training camp, but he’ll need to play well in next week’s preseason game against the Rams.
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