![\"Tyler](\"https:\/\/insidethestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/nfl-cowboys-tyler-smith-betmgm-1024x578.jpg.webp "\\"5")
<\/picture><\/figure>\nWho Are the Best-5 on the Offensive Line?<\/h2>\n
The Cowboys made a bold move last year when they drafted Tyler Guyton to replace longtime blindside anchor Tyron Smith, and the rookie showed promise.<\/p>\n
Now, with future Hall of Famer Zack Martin having retired, Dallas enters camp with serious questions in the trenches.<\/p>\n
Tyler Smith is a foundational piece, and Guyton is seemingly locked in at left tackle, but the right side is a work in progress.<\/p>\n
Cooper Beebe, drafted to be the long-term answer at center, may still be transitioning, while rookies and mid-round picks like Asim Richards and T.J. Bass will compete for time at guard.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not clear yet who the starting five are, or if the team even knows. Without a strong, cohesive line, it\u2019s hard to imagine this offense bouncing back.<\/p>\n
Can Matt Eberflus Fix the Run Defense?<\/h2>\n
After years of being gashed by opposing ground games, the Cowboys handed the defensive reins to Matt Eberflus, who returns to Dallas after his stint as Bears head coach.<\/p>\n
Eberflus\u2019 scheme is based on discipline, tackling, and sound gap responsibility, something the Cowboys lacked in 2024 when they allowed over 130 rushing yards per game.<\/p>\n
The front seven has talent, with Micah Parsons still a dominant force and DeMarvion Overshown possibly returning from injury.<\/p>\n
However, the defensive tackle rotation anchored by Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith, and a group of journeymen hasn\u2019t proven it can hold up over four quarters.<\/p>\n
Linebacker play remains a concern too, now manned by a mix of veterans and young, unproven players.<\/p>\n
If Eberflus can\u2019t stabilize the middle, the defense may remain frustratingly incomplete.<\/p>\n With Trevon Diggs working his way back from an ACL injury and Jourdan Lewis now in Jacksonville, the Cowboys face a murky situation at cornerback.<\/p>\n DaRon Bland has one side locked down, but the competition for the other outside spot is wide open.<\/p>\n The current options include former 1st-round pick Abram Elam, Israel Mukuamu, second-year cornerback Caelen Carson, rookie Shavon Revel, and perhaps a free-agent veteran to be signed late in the summer.<\/p>\n If Diggs isn\u2019t 100% by Week 1, the secondary becomes one of the most vulnerable groups on the roster.<\/p>\n Bland can\u2019t do it all, and Eberflus needs someone to emerge quickly.<\/p>\n Rico Dowdle is gone. The Cowboys\u2019 running back room is almost completely overhauled. That leaves a wide-open competition going into camp.<\/p>\n Veteran Javonte Williams appears the favorite, with fellow veteran Miles Sanders also in the mix, but each come with their own question marks.<\/p>\n Rookie Jaydon Blue brings speed and vision, and if he shows he can pass protect, could become the featured back.<\/p>\n With no clear #1, Schottenheimer may lean into a committee approach, but someone needs to emerge as the guy who can keep the offense balanced and help take pressure off QB Dak Prescott.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" After a disappointing 7-10 finish in 2024 (their first losing season since 2020), the Dallas Cowboys are staring down a critical turning point. A franchise once viewed… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":70416,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-70412","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"Diggs](\"https:\/\/insidethestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/trevon-diggs-10132021-getty-ftr_b3u36z0ujw321ue2gjndpnds2-1024x576.png.webp "\\"5")
<\/picture><\/figure>\nWho Will Seize CB2?<\/h2>\n
Who Emerges to Lead the Backfield?<\/h2>\n