(R) Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M (L) Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
FRISCO, Texas – April has arrived, ushering in the annual frenzy as NFL teams assemble their draft boards. Incessant speculation ensues on potential selections prior to the start of festivities on Thursday the 28th.The Dallas Cowboys philosophy during free agency remained the same (short-term, bargain moves) and the club’s lack of significant acquisitions escalates the importance of striking gold with upgrades in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The current roster shows what the team’s needs are, with the most glaring being the offensive line. What was once deemed the best unit in football, became a liability down the stretch for Dallas in 2021. Last season, the Cowboys could not establish the run even against light boxes (ranked 20th in yards before contact per rush) and could not provide quarterback Dak Prescott with effective protection in the pocket (ranked 23rd in average time provided for QB to throw). Additionally in 2021, Dallas had the most penalized offensive line in the NFL. The line had 54 penalties total, 49 accepted. It is time to reinvest in the trenches, starting with the glaring hole at left guard.
If Dallas was picking higher in the draft, wide receiver and defensive end would likely be the direction they go. However, at No. 24, there are several viable options among offensive linemen. The consensus favorite and two names that have been invariably linked to the Cowboys are guards Zion Johnson and Kenyon Green. Connor Williams signed with the Miami Dolphins and the team must find his replacement on the left side. Both Johnson and Green could plug in and play for the Cowboys. Here is a look at both prospects heading into the draft.
Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
Zion Johnson was a three-year starter at Boston College, primarily lining up at left guard in the team’s zone scheme. How quickly he was able to make an impact on the field and acclimate to Boston College after transferring from Davidson is a testament to Johnson’s football IQ. The two-time team captain (2020, 2021) has elite processing skills that jump off the tape with his understanding of leverage/how to attack defenders. As a run blocker, he seals and creates creases for rushers with drive strength and fundamentally sound movements. He effortlessly makes his way to the second level with double blocks and possesses smooth hip-flips to move/sustain in the running game.
As a pass blocker, Johnson’s body control allows him to stay planted and centered. He will need to improve his hand placement in pass sets at the pro level but has the talent to cement himself as a longtime interior lineman in the NFL.
Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
Kenyon Green, a three-year starter for the Aggies, played mostly at left guard in their balanced scheme. He has position flexibility, playing all positions but center at Texas A&M: 17 games at left guard, 15 at right guard, two at right tackle and one at left tackle in 35 game starts. In 2021, Green became the only NCAA player with 80-plus snaps at four different offensive line positions. He stays wide in his stance and possesses rare explosive traits to bully defenders. Additionally, Green has the agility factor to successfully execute traps and pulls. His physical hands allow him to be effective in both the run game and pass protection.
Green will need to refine his technique/habits in the run game and mitigate penalties (seven in 2021) at the pro level. The Cowboys were the most penalized offensive line in the league last season, which largely contributed to the unit’s regression. The 49 accepted penalties nullified 373 yards gained, constantly putting the Cowboys in unfavorable down and distance situations. Head coach Mike McCarthy revealed that penalties would be addressed as a top priority in the offseason. Like many of the Cowboys’ offensive linemen, Green will need to become more disciplined in his play at the line of scrimmage.
What was thought to be a talented offensive line on paper at the outset of the 2021 season, turned out to be a hindrance. Left guard is the Cowboys’ greatest current weakness, and the club has not addressed the position in free agency. Pick 24 seems to be a realistic opportunity and either Johnson or Green could elevate the unit in Dallas.
