The Cowboys have high hopes for offensive tackle Drew Shelton after drafting him in the fourth round. Praised for his footwork and movement skills, Shelton immediately thrusts himself into a battle with Nate Thomas for the swing tackle position. Thomas, a seventh-round pick in 2024, held the position in Dallas last season but dealt with his share of ups and downs, specifically against speed rushers.
If Thomas isn’t able to improve against speed rushers, he risks allowing Shelton to take his place on the roster. When one adds left tackle Tyler Guyton’s injury concerns into the mix, the spotlight on this battle will be bright.
The Cowboys like Bass; so much so they placed a second-round tender on the former UDFA. Unfortunately, Dallas also likes Keegan, and he’s a player with a similar play style and temperament to Bass, but at a cheaper cost. Keegan, a fifth-round pick in 2024, has starting experience, plays with power, and is physical in the running game, just like Bass. If Keegan can impress the coaching staff, the price tag on Bass becomes a blinking red light. Dallas claimed Keegan, whose rookie deal through 2027 costs $3.2 million, compared to Bass, who is making $5.7 million for one season. The price tag on Bass may be too high for the Cowboys, but a worthwhile trade candidate for other teams.
Luke Schoonmaker vs. Michael Trigg
It seems as though Dallas has lost faith in their former second-round pick, Luke Schoonmaker. Last season, he fell behind second-year tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford and now has the Cowboys’ priority UDFA Michael Trigg to deal with. Trigg comes in with a lot of supporters in the building, mainly tight ends coach Lunda Wells. When compared to Trigg, Schoonmaker isn’t the most athletic tight end, nor is he a vertical threat.
Schoonmaker is a blocking tight end who, at times, isn’t capable of handling that sole role. Dallas is really intrigued by Trigg’s ability to cause matchup issues in the passing game, and if he can become an average blocker, Schoonmaker could be on his way out.