Despite recent struggles, the Cowboys' offensive line could be elite, but two key players must elevate their game for Dak Prescott playoff success.
The Dallas Cowboys' offensive line was a topic of much debate last season.
With three first-round picks in front of Dak Prescott, the thought was No. 4 would be well protected.
Except, he wasn't. And at times last season, Dak was a sitting duck, en route to 31 sacks (second most over the last four seasons).
Tyler Guyton struggled with injury and form; Tyler Smith was Tyler Smith.
Cooper Beebe was more than serviceable; Tyler Booker had some ups and downs; and, you can make the case, Terence Steele was easily the weakest link.
Still, with the inconsistent performance from the offensive line, Dallas still managed to average 27.7 points per game, Dak threw for 4,555 yards and 30 TDs, while CeeDee Lamb (1,077 yards) and George Pickens (1,429 yards, 9 TDs) still produced.
And Javonte Williams rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 TDs.
So one can imagine what the unit could do if the offensive line's play improved just a little.
First, a bit of a change in the 2026 room, as backups Brock Hoffman (to Pittsburgh) and Rob Jones (to San Francisco) are leaving via free agency.
So that's two out. How about two up?
For our own Mike Fisher, Dallas' offensive line is in good shape...if two players step up.
"Tyler Guyton's a left tackle until he's not," Fish said. "Tyler Smith is a left guard. Unless that one doesn't work. Cooper Beebe is the center, right guard is Tyler Booker, right tackle is Terence Steele. Unless that doesn't work. Nate Thomas and TJ Bass deserve mention here. Matt Hennessy is new.
"[Ajani] Cornelius and [Trevon] Keegan are the two names at the end of this group. If Guyton and Steele would step up just a little bit, they're in good shape. You've got greatness at left guard, got probable greatness at right guard, and you've got goodness at center."
There is a case to be made that if Steele can just get back near the early form that saw him land a monster contract extension in 2023 (five years, $86 million), Dallas will be in good shape.
As for Guyton, he played 10 games in 2025 and was a bit up and down.
Fish is right. If those two can bring their level of play up, and the rest of the line can maintain, it has some nice potential in 2026.
Let's see if everything can finally come together for Dak's protection in Year 2 for Brian Schottenheimer.