The Best Offensive Line in Football

It is not often that we see a positional group with multiple of the league’s best within it, as is seen with this Dallas offensive line. Tyron Smith is the best left tackle in football. Travis Frederick is the consensus best center in the sport. To his right is Zack Martin, a.k.a. the premier right guard in the NFL. With three elite linemen, this unit is already amazing, and they only got better. La’el Collins is now in his second full year of starting at right tackle, and improvements can be seen repeatedly throughout camp. At left guard, it looks to be rookie Connor Williams, my sixth-ranked non-quarterback in last year’s draft, and third offensive lineman. Behind them on the depth chart is Cameron Fleming, one of the best backup linemen one could ask for.

Additionally, we have seen this offense with and without a healthy line to lead them. Last year, while Tyron Smith was hurt, Dak was sacked six times against Atlanta. They were blown out the week after at home against Philadelphia. The impact of this offensive line is simply unprecedented. They have the ability to dominate opposing defensive lines and keep Dak Prescott clean and more importantly, healthy. If any team knows how important a healthy quarterback is, it is the Dallas Cowboys.

Why This Helps Them Contend

Furthermore, this offensive line opens up the offense in a variety of different ways. Besides keeping Ezekiel Elliott upright and Dak Prescott protected, it helps add depth to the offense. More time in a clean pocket allows Prescott to show off his deep ball and to extend plays. Likewise, a majority of Elliott’s largest runs are in part due to the unit in front of him. This offense is at its best, and close to the league’s best, when this offensive line is healthy and on top of their game.

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