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Potential Martin retirement, Steele has Cowboys tracking these 2025 draft O-Linemen

The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line stands as a cornerstone of their team identity, historically renowned for its dominance and stability. However, recent seasons have seen this unit face challenges and transformations, reshaping the narrative surrounding one of the league’s most esteemed O-lines. Amidst injuries, departures, and evolving personnel, the current state of the Cowboys’ offensive line presents a blend of proven veterans, emerging talents, and lingering uncertainties.

As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the spotlight shines brightly on this pivotal unit, with questions lingering about its ability to regain its former glory and anchor the team’s offensive success once again. With Zack Martin playing out the final year of his deal and Terence Steele a huge question mark at right tackle, there’s a ton of future uncertainty considering the Cowboys plan to start two rookies in 2024.

The club should keep an eye on the upcoming talent should previous investments fall short of expectations. Here’s 5 collegiate offensive lineman to watch in the upcoming season.

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Kevin Banks

Oct 7, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) blocks during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Banks, a standout offensive guard at the University of Texas, is a third-year player who has played in and started 27 games, showcasing consistency and reliability on the field. In 2023, he was selected to the All-Big 12 First Team and named a Joe Moore Award semifinalist, further solidifying his status as one of the conference’s top linemen. Banks’ impact was evident in key victories, including a historic win over No. 3 Alabama, where he helped pave the way for the Longhorns’ success.

During Banks’ sophomore season in 2022, Banks impressed, earning second-team All-America honors and additional recognition from various outlets. He played a pivotal role in Texas’ offense, blocking for notable players like Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson, Jonathon Brooks and Quinn Ewers.

As a freshman in 2021, Banks made an immediate impact, earning FWAA Freshman All-American honors. His performance in high school, where he was recognized as an All-America and four-time all-district honoree, laid the foundation for his success at the collegiate level. With Banks’ impressive skill set and dedication to the game, Banks continues to be a key asset for Texas football.

Will Campbell

Sep 30, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; LSU Tigers offensive linemen Will Campbell (66) waits for the snap during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Entering the 2024 season, Will Campbell is regarded as one of the top left tackles in college football. Alongside right tackle Emery Jones, he forms one of the best offensive tackle tandems in the nation.

Campbell has garnered numerous accolades and distinctions throughout his collegiate career. In 2023, he was recognized as First-Team All-SEC by coaches and Second-Team All-SEC by the AP. He also earned a spot on the SEC Academic Honor Roll, highlighting his excellence both athletically and academically.

During his sophomore season in 2023, Campbell started all 13 games at left tackle, playing a total of 805 offensive snaps without allowing a single quarterback sack. Campbell’s leadership qualities were evident as he was named a permanent team captain for the 2023 season. His contributions were crucial to LSU’s offensive success, as the team led the nation in scoring and total yards per game.

In Campbell’s true freshman season in 2022, he made an immediate impact, earning Freshman All-America honors and Second-Team All-SEC recognition. Despite being a freshman, he displayed remarkable consistency and skill, rarely missing a snap in SEC play.

Tyler Booker

Apr 13, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker (52) celebrates after the offense scored a touchdown during the A-Day scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Booker, an interior offensive lineman for the University of Alabama, has swiftly established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the football field. In 2023, Booker earned a starting role at left guard. His outstanding performance earned him numerous awardss, including First-Team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press and Second-Team All-SEC recognition from conference coaches.

Throughout the 2023 season, Booker showcased his proficiency in both pass protection and run blocking. Despite missing one game due to back spasms, he started 12 games and amassed an impressive tally of 41 knockdown blocks, averaging 3.4 per game. Remarkably, Booker allowed only 2.5 total sacks and 4.5 pressures across 676 snaps, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and effective lineman.

His standout performances against top-tier opponents, such as Ole Miss and Georgia, earned him recognition as the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week and Pro Football Focus’s top-rated guard in conference championship weekend, respectively.

In his freshman season in 2022, Booker showcased his potential by earning accolades such as Freshman All-SEC Team and Freshman All-American. He played in 12 games, rotating at both guard spots, and made significant contributions to Alabama’s offense, which ranked among the top in the nation.

Emery Jones

Sep 30, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; LSU Tigers offensive linemen Emery Jones Jr. (50) lines up prior to the snap during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Jones, an offensive tackle, has swiftly risen to prominence as one of the nation’s top offensive linemen. Since his breakout freshman season in 2022, Jones has been a key contributor to LSU’s success on the gridiron. Teaming up with fellow standout and aforementioned Will Campbell, Jones forms one of the most formidable tackle tandems in college football.

In his sophomore season in 2023, Jones showcased his reputation as a dominant force on the offensive line. Despite missing one game due to injury, he started 12 games at right tackle and played a total of 708 snaps. His remarkable consistency and performance earned him Second-Team All-SEC honors from the league’s coaches. Throughout his tenure at LSU, Jones has been a cornerstone of the Tigers’ offensive success. His athleticism, power, and refined footwork make him a formidable opponent for any defender.

Tate Ratledge

Apr 13, 2024; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) shown during the G-Day Game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Tate Ratledge, an interior offensive lineman for the Georgia Bulldogs, has garnered significant recognition. In 2023, Ratledge was named Second Team All-American by the Associated Press and earned First Team All-SEC honors from both the AP and the conference coaches. He started at right guard in 13 out of 14 games, contributing to an offensive line that excelled in protecting the quarterback, ranking first in the SEC and seventh nationally in sacks allowed. Georgia’s offense, with Ratledge’s contribution, ranked among the top in the nation in various categories, including total offense, passing efficiency, and scoring offense.

Ratledge’s success extends back to his collegiate debut in 2020 when he saw his first action against Auburn. Since then, he has been a consistent presence on the Bulldogs’ offensive line. Despite facing challenges such as injuries, Ratledge has remained a key asset to the team’s success.

Before his collegiate career, Ratledge made a name for himself at Darlington High School, where he excelled not only in football but also in basketball and track and field. His performance on the football field earned himself accolades, including selections to All-State teams and participation in prestigious events like the All-American Bowl.

Off the field, Ratledge is pursuing a major in Sport Management and has received recognition for his academic achievements through scholarships. His family background, with his father Dean’s football career at Tennessee Tech and subsequent stint in the NFL, has provided Ratledge with a strong foundation and inspiration for his own success.

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