Heading in to 2014, the top of the Cowboys Offensive Tackle group should be considered a strength of the Dallas Cowboys. Pro Bowler Tyron Smith headlines the group, with solid right tackle Doug Free coming off a strong 2013. There is no one with any established credibility behind them. The most interesting camp battle at the offensive tackle position will be for the 3rd tackle spot. Who ever ends up playing left tackle with the second string team will likely be the swing tackle for the 2014 season. Dallas didn’t draft any players at this position, and the rookie depth at the position is best represented by a player who has already been cut by another NFL team this year.

#62 Aladenoye, Josh OT, 6’5″ 329 23, R, Illinois State

Dallas day victor, and native of Mesquite, Josh Aladenoye started his career at Oklahoma before moving onto Illinois State. He’s been their left tackle the last two years. He was struggling at Oklahoma. He may have improved while at Illinois State, but he wasn’t on an upward trajectory while at OU. He’s battling for a chance to develop for a year on the practice squad.

#68 Free, Doug, OT 6’6″ 325 30 8th yr Northern Illinois

The entrenched starter at right tackle, his most famous plays come when he’s free to block people in the second level. Doug Free may be the real back up left tackle, considering he wasn’t abysmal in the role in the past. For a player the franchise always seems to be yo-yoing, he’s a cornerstone for the team to build around. For an eighth year veteran, and the position stability he provides, his salary is easy to handle. His moderate cost helps when it’s time to resign players like Tyron Smith.

#71 Morris, Darius, OT, 6’4, 320 lbs, 26, R, Temple

Darius Morris was signed by Houston in July 2011, and released the following February. That he’s expected at camp two years removed from the NFL is a tribute to his perseverance. He auditioned during the rookie mini camp and was signed when Jarrod Poughsley was injured. Though he was on Houston’s practice squad he qualifies as a rookie. Spending two years out of the NFL does not bode well, but other players on this roster have over come similar challenges.

#78 Parnell, Jermey, OT 6’6, 307 lbs, 27, 5th yr, Mississippi

Jermey Parnell disappointed fans when he failed to unseat Free in training camp in 2013. Doug Free returned to being a good right tackle, while Parnell struggled. He entered the NFL as a defensive end for New Orleans in 2009. He’s seen time at defensive end, defensive tackle, tight end and now seems set at Offensive Tackle. He started two games in 2012 in place of an injured Tyron Smith, and then worked in rotations with Doug Free. 2012 remains the high point in his career. He is currently the right tackle on the second team at OTA’s and Mini Camp.

#77, Smith, Tyron, OT, 6’5, 318 lbs, 23, 4th yr, USC

Tyron Smith is one of the best players on the Dallas Cowboys, if not the best. Smith says Ware helped him out a great deal while they were in Dallas together and Smith wants to pass that knowledge on to players he works with now. If you see Tyron Smith lose a match up in training camp, be sure to get the number of the defender. Fresh off a Pro Bowl, and with the new additions in the running game, he could see his league wide profile increase in 2014.

#75 Weems, Darrion, OT 6’5 320 lbs, 25, 2nd yr, Oregon

Darrion Weems seems to have taken the 3rd tackle spot from Jeremy Parnell for the time being. In his second year out of Oregon, he plays with better technique and strength than his rival. Undrafted in 2012, he spent time with five different organizations that fall before being signed to Dallas in December that year. He’s poised to stick in the NFL and looks like a future starter for someone. He’s running with the second team at left tackle.

#61 Wetzel, John, OT 6’7, 315 lbs, 22, Rookie, Boston College

Moved to Right Tackle in college as a Senior after playing Left Tackle in previous years. In OTA’s he has seen time at Guard. He initially signed with Oakland, and was cut, before Dallas signed him. Dallas, Right Tackles and Boston College have a funny history. Former 1st round pick Marc Colombo was good, 6th round pick Rob Petiti was bad, and Wetzel in contrast wasn’t drafted. He’s knocked as having heavy feet with a slow kick slide. Was a serious road grader for BC but needs work on his pass protection. Hits players in the second level, has long arms, and a powerful anchor when fighting off a bull rush. He’s the most promising rookie, having enjoyed major College success, even while limited as lumbering legged offensive tackle. May make a permanent change to guard.

Ranking the Offensive Tackles

For a change, no one is injured.

1. Tyron Smith

2. Doug Free

3. Darrion Weems

4. Jeremy Parnell

5. John Wetzel

6. Josh Aladenoye

7. Darius Morris

No one could replace Tyron Smith on this roster, but Doug Free or Darrion Weems should at least be able to pass block for Romo. Dallas took four offensive tackles on the roster to start 2013, and ended with all the same players. With Jeremy Parnell coming in to his fifth year, and yet to make a move, his roster spot could be vulnerable. However, Dallas didn’t bring in any realistic competition this year. John Wetzel might never play Offensive Tackle in Dallas, however of the bottom roster players he appears to be the most promising. Tyron Smith and Doug Free are set as starters.

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