The Dallas Cowboys have a well-established tradition of drafting successful offensive linemen in the first round of the NFL draft. From 2011 to 2023, the Cowboys have selected four offensive linemen in the first round, and all four have gone on to be named to a Pro Bowl.
The first of these linemen was Tyron Smith, who was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2011 draft. Smith has been named to eight Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams during his career and is considered one of the best left tackles in the NFL. In 2013, the Cowboys selected Travis Frederick with the 31st overall pick. Frederick was named to five Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 2016 before being forced to retire early due to health issues.
The Cowboys’ third first-round offensive lineman was Zack Martin, who was selected with the 14th overall pick in the 2014 draft. Martin has been named to the Pro Bowl every year of his career except for one and has been an All-Pro seven times. He is widely regarded as the best guard in the NFL.
The Cowboys’ most recent first-round offensive lineman is Tyler Smith, who was selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2022 draft. Smith played primarily at left tackle as a rookie but moved to left guard last season and was named to the Pro Bowl. With Tyron Smith now a free agent, the Cowboys could move Tyler Smith back to tackle, but they have also compared him to Hall of Famer Larry Allen.
The Cowboys’ success with first-round offensive linemen has been a major factor in their success over the past decade. The team has won three NFC East championships and has appeared in two NFC Divisional Championship games since 2011. The Cowboys’ offensive line has been a key part of that success, and the team’s ability to draft and develop talented linemen has been a major asset.
