The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2026 NFL offseason with a clear priority: fortify a defense that had kept them from serious contention in recent years. They addressed that need aggressively in the draft and added a new defensive coordinator in Christian Parker. Yet while much of the spotlight remained on the revamped unit, Dallas quietly took calculated swings on the offensive side as well—none more physically imposing than undrafted free agent offensive tackle Shiyazh Pete.

At 6-foot-8 and 310 pounds, Pete is a massive left tackle who brings rare size, extensive starting experience, and intriguing athletic traits to the Cowboys’ offensive line room. The former Kentucky Wildcat and New Mexico State Aggie represents one of the more compelling “what if” stories among Dallas’ undrafted rookie class.

A Towering Presence with Proven Experience
Pete is no developmental project. He played in 45 college games, primarily at left tackle, including 12 starts for Kentucky in 2025 after transferring from New Mexico State, where he spent his first three seasons and earned preseason all-conference recognition. That combination of SEC-level competition and consistent production over nearly five years of college football gives him a significant head start compared to many undrafted prospects.

Cowboys offensive line coach Conor Riley was on hand for Kentucky’s Pro Day, where Pete showcased his skills in front of NFL evaluators. His combination of length, power, and experience at a premium position immediately caught attention.

“The size is notable,” observed The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “He’s 6-8, 310 pounds. Pete is experienced, having played three seasons at New Mexico State before transferring to Kentucky last year. Combined, he played in 45 college games, primarily at left tackle.”

The Road Ahead in Dallas
Pete faces stiff competition for a roster spot. The Cowboys selected Penn State offensive tackle Drew Shelton in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, adding a highly regarded prospect to an offensive line group that already includes Nate Thomas and Ajani Cornelius. To earn a place on the final 53-man roster, Pete will likely need to outperform at least one of the incumbents during training camp and the preseason.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Pete as the No. 54 offensive tackle prospect in the draft class, underscoring both his physical upside and the technical refinement still needed at the NFL level. Yet in a league that increasingly values length and power on the edge, Pete’s frame offers the kind of “freak” traits that can disrupt defensive ends and force coordinators to adjust their rush packages.

His sheer presence alone demands attention. A 6’8″ left tackle with 310-pound functional strength has the tools to anchor the pocket, stonewall edge rushers, and create running lanes that smaller defensive fronts will struggle to close.

Part of a Broader UDFA Haul

Pete is one of at least 11 undrafted free agents the Cowboys signed following the draft, signaling Dallas’ continued willingness to mine talent beyond the seven rounds. The group also includes:

SMU receiver Jordan Hudson TCU tight end DJ Rogers Georgia Southern wideout Camden Brown Baylor tight end Michael Trigg Virginia Tech defensive tackle Kelvin Gilliam Tulsa running back Dominic Richardson Baylor offensive tackle Sidney Fugar Kansas defensive tackles D.J. Withers and Tommy Dunn Jr. Vanderbilt linebacker Langston Patterson

While the defense received the lion’s share of draft capital and offseason hype, these offensive additions—including Pete—provide depth and competition across the roster.

Jerry Jones Eyes a Fresh Start

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has been vocal about the franchise’s defensive transformation. Speaking after the draft, Jones emphasized that the changes go beyond one season of underperformance.

“We’ve changed this defense,” Jones said. “And if it were just last year, the way we played on defense, then that might not have called for this. But … what you’re seeing going on right now is a product of three or four or five years or maybe more that we just haven’t been able to ultimately get where we’re trying to go and be a contender. It’s going to be different, it’s going to be fresh.”

That fresh approach extends to the entire roster, where every undrafted player, including the towering Pete, will get an opportunity to prove his worth.

A Warning Shot to the NFC East?

For now, Shiyazh Pete remains a long shot to crack the initial 53-man roster. But in the hyper-competitive world of NFL offensive line play, massive, experienced tackles with starting reps against Power conference defenses rarely go unnoticed for long. If Pete can refine his technique, leverage his elite length, and hold up against NFL speed and power, he has the physical tools to become a legitimate rotation piece—or even a future starter.

NFC East defensive coordinators would be wise not to sleep on the 6’8″, 310-pound mountain now wearing silver and blue. In Dallas, where offensive line play has long been a hallmark of success, another massive body in the trenches could quietly become one of the most important stories of the 2026 season.

The Cowboys’ bet on Pete may be a long one, but when a prospect this size lands in your building with 45 games of experience under his belt, it’s worth paying attention. The path is steep, but the potential payoff is enormous.