[tps_title]Offensive Tackle Chaz Green[/tps_title]
The Dallas Cowboys’ prized possession – their identity – is their offensive line. Featuring three first round picks that have solidified the unit as the best in the league, Dallas has been very calculated in their moves to add depth and longevity to this dominant offensive front.
As a third round pick in 2015, Florida’s Chaz Green was supposed to be just that, but his injury history has continued to plague him with the Cowboys. Green missed all of 2015, but did remain healthy enough to have a solid preseason playing left tackle in 2016. This led to Green replacing All-Pro LT Tyron Smith for four starts early in the season, and performing admirably.
Right tackle Doug Free is entering the final season of his contract in 2017, and many fans already feel that the veteran has out-stayed his welcome at the position. While it would always be difficult for Free to live up to the standards set by a Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, or Travis Frederick, his frequent penalties have been drive killers that inexcusably hurt an otherwise dominant Cowboys offense.
Chaz Green could push for the starting job as soon as this summer in training camp at RT, and while his 2016 performance should certainly make this coaching staff feel comfortable about his ability to hold up at the position, Green’s overall ability to hold up from a health perspective makes offensive tackle a bigger need than some would expect.
Any setback from now until the draft with Chaz Green could feasibly lead to the Cowboys drafting a tackle in the first three rounds. If their confidence is high in Green, I expect the Cowboys to still at depth at OT, but they won’t be in such dire need to do so.
I think you nailed it with those variables and who will impact the draft. I think it’s fair to say that Chaz Green has been a disappointment. When you are not available it is disappointing and while he has shown some flashes at tackle it now looks like a position of need. I know there was talk of moving Collins to tackle but losing Leary will most certainly require us to take a tackle. Cooper is a bit of a wild card also as he may gel well with this line and be the guy he was originally drafted to be. And we still have Looney and Cleary. A guy of interest to me in the draft that often shows up in my mocks is Pat Elflein at C from Ohio State. I know he has played guard but wonder if he can play tackle. He is a great team leader and fits that RKG that Garrett likes. Good overview Sean.
Thanks as always for your loyal readership and responses, Randy. Really appreciated. Firm believer that a player’s best trait is availability, since you here it from good scouts all the time, and that is what it really comes down to on Chaz Green. I’ll have to take a look at Elfein. Thanks! Enjoy the Super Bowl.