The Cowboys only had one need on offense entering the NFL Draft, and that was offensive tackle. Now that has been fortified.
The Dallas Cowboys, as many had expected, had a defensive mindset in the NFL Draft, with five of their seven selections being for defense.
But in the fourth round, the Cowboys gave coach Brian Schottenheimer an offensive player, in tackle Drew Shelton.
Taking with the No. 112 overall pick, Shelton is seen by many draft experts as a high-level swing tackle.
Yes, he played mostly left tackle at Penn State, but he is equally adept at playing along the offensive line, and for me, he could be a candidate to potentially replace Terence Steele if things go well ... maybe even Tyler Guyton?
There is a trickle-down effect here on All-Pro guard Tyler Smith. Hopefully, Steele and Guyton hold up. But if one fails and Shelton can succeed?
Smith can stay at guard instead of having to change positions.
Seen as a tackle who possesses elite pass-blocking and fluid movement that has him excelling in the run game, Shelton quick feet make him a versatile tackle who helps protect his quarterback.
It is worth noting that of his 359 pass blocking snaps in 2025, Shelton didn't allow a single sack, which is impressive.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler projects Shelton as a swing tackle with starting potential in the NFL, so it will be an interesting offseason for him, as he clearly has areas that need improvement.
Offensive coordinator Klayton Adams and Conor Riley, both of whom have strong backgrounds in offensive line coaching, will see Shelton as a developmental prospect they hope can push for a starting role while adding to the depth at the position.
Zach Wolchuck of 105.3 The Fan had this to say on Shelton.
"He's a really reliable player, he's steady, you can tell he works hard, you know what you're going to get from him. I do like the athleticism that he's able to bring to the table. I like the pick a lot, I think he's a guy that can come in and compete."
It was also interesting to hear Wolchuck stating that he expects Shelton to come in and put some pressure on fellow left tackle Tyler Guyton, so the Cowboys clearly feel like they need more from the left tackle position.
Whether or not Shelton will be able to push Guyton enough to where it is a legitimate battle in training camp is unknown, but we know that Dallas clearly wants to not only add depth, but also potential starting players.
And in Shelton, he looms as one to watch in Oxnard this offseason.