The Dallas Cowboys are set with their offensive line starters, which is why none of this group played on Saturday. The main five:
LT – Tyler Guyton
LG – Tyler Smith
C – Cooper Beebe
RG – Tyler Booker
RT – Terence Steele
Now, the attention shifts to finding quality backups to build the depth chart so they are prepared when the inevitable injury bug rears its ugly head. The team got a good look at the backups against Seattle with a mixture of results. Here are the performances of the team’s key backups and
an updated job security update for each player.
T.J. Bass
A once undrafted free agent out of Oregon, Bass is now the senior staff member in terms of team service among the Cowboys’ main linemen reserves. He’s taken over the backup center responsibilities from Brock Hoffman and will become the first player the coaches call on if an interior player gets hurt.
Preseason game grade: B+
Against the Seahawks, Bass handled himself well. He started at center and showed he is the second team’s most tried and trusted blocker, moving well and keeping the pocket clean for Sam Howell. He only played seven snaps coming out of the game midway through the second series, but on almost every rep, he locked up with his man and completely neutralized him. His balance and strength were on full display.
Roster security: Locked in as the team’s top interior piece.
Nate Thomas
A late-round pick in 2024, Thomas is now entering his third season, although really it’s just his second as he missed his entire rookie season. He’s still raw, but expectations have been placed on him as he was thrown in as the starting left tackle last year when Tyler Guyton got hurt.
He was also brought up in the discussion of a position battle with Guyton for the starting spot this year, but we’re not exactly sure what that’s about. He’s been regularly tested by the Cowboys first-team pass rushers, and that hasn’t gone very well as he’s struggled with guys blowing past him around the edge.
Preseason game grade: C+
Starting at left tackle, he held his ground okay. He didn’t look spectacular, but he wasn’t horrid either. His length and wide base provided a strong wall for him, and his spring out of his stance looked good. Outside of a few moments where his balance was off, he did a fine job holding his blocks.
He moved well in space, and he was never overpowered. He was a little antsy out of his stance, leaving early a couple times, although he only got caught once. As backups go, bigger expectations are put on him, but he played just fine.
Roster security: Relatively safe as he still sits as the team’s top swing tackle option
Nick Leverett
The veteran has played in the league for five years on four different teams, but has less than a dozen starts under his belt. He signed with the Cowboys late last year and then a reserve/future deal early this year. He has been okay in camp, showing some good consistency in practice
Preseason game grade: C+
He replaced Bass at center midway through the offense’s second drive. His performance was a lot like what he’s shown in practice. Nothing fancy, but sound. He got low and held his ground well. His leverage was firm as he displayed a solid anchor once engaged. The only issue he showed was his lateral agility. While he moves well for a guy with his bottom-heavy frame, his feet weren’t so quick to get into position, and oftentimes defenders can be seen flying by him.
Roster security: In the hunt. It could come down to him and Cornelius for the final interior spot and his center flexibility could give him the nod.
Trevor Keegan
A fifth-round pick of the Eagles a couple of years ago, he was a star at Michigan, but was the odd man out as injuries and stacked talent made him expendable in Philly. The Cowboys pounced on the opportunity to add him to their group, and so far, things look good. His consistency has been an issue, as sometimes he’s looked absolutely dominant in training camp, while other times he’s shown that he still has some technical things to clean up.
Preseason game grade: C
Starting at left guard against Seattle, Keegan held up okay for the most part. When he got his hands on the defender, he secured the block, and he did a good job twisting his man to help seal off running lanes. He played a little upright, and his footwork was a bit clumpy. Many times in the game, you saw him losing balance and leaning a bit as the player got away from him. He showed good power, but just needed to get a little lower and sustain his blocks longer.
Roster security: Stable. Making a strong push to be one of the team’s interior backups.
Ajani Cornellis
A late-round draft pick from a year ago, Cornelius was stashed as a development project with bigger expectations heading into year two. Sadly, those hopes have not come to fruition. The coaches have moved him inside to guard, hoping a new position will bring out his strengths and mask his deficiencies.
Preseason game grade: C-
Against the Seahawks, he started at right guard and put together a highly encouraging performance. He didn’t dominate, and there were some balance issues at times where defenders just side-stepped him out of the way, but then there were others where he used his athleticism to get into space to pull around on blocks. He moved well and locked up defenders, opening up holes for the running backs. It was a little erratic and uncontrolled at times, but he was pesky, and he was quick to look for the next guy to hit. He got to his spots and kept defenders at bay. Solid.
Roster security: On the bubble. New life inside has opened up another path to make the team.
Drew Shelton
The rookie is this year’s top offensive investment, selected in the fourth round. His raw ability offers some nice upside, with the question being, how long before he’s ready to step in and be a consistent player? In camp, it’s been a little messy as the coaches have challenged him on either side, and he’s showing that he has a ways to go.
Preseason game grade: D
The struggles he’s shown in camp were on display against Seattle. The Seahawks backup edge rushers got around him with ease. He often was late figuring out which guy was coming, leaving him out of position. He failed to square up, often lunging or just going along for the ride. He was late getting his hands up and just looked lost. It felt like he was in recovery mode all game.
Roster security: His draft investment should protect him for at least one season, but his performance up to this point makes him a fringe player who isn’t ready for primetime action.
Marcellus Johnson
A young but well-traveled UDFA, Johnson was signed by the Cowboys to provide some competition at the swing tackle position. He’s had issues with his footwork in camp and
Preseason game grade: D-
It was a rough outing for the team’s third-string tackle, where his balance and hand placement were all over the place. His most incriminating moment came when he was flagged for back-to-back penalties, first a false start, then an illegal hands-to-face. His feet were jittery and he never really got himself into a position to hold blocks. He kept throwing his hands upward near the neck area, never getting any good pushback, and then ultimately making contact with an opponent’s facemask. It was a sloppy performance and makes the team’s depth at tackle a little murky with both he and Shelton struggling.
Roster security: In trouble. He needed a good showing to put himself in the conversation, and he’s not off to a good start.
