Cowboys Mock Draft: Dallas Adds Dak Prescott Help in Tyron Smith Replacement Troy Fautanu
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to watch another Super Bowl on television, owner Jerry Jones is left wondering what he needs to get over the hump.
Some have pointed to head coach Mike McCarthy. Others find fault in quarterback Dak Prescott.
But what about the offensive line?
The Cowboys finished the year tied for the 18th-most sacks allowed with 40, and Prescott was dropped four times in Dallas' playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.
While not as directly prominent an issue as others, the Cowboys' offensive line could use reinforcement - and NFL.Com's latest mock draft has Jones providing exactly that.
The Cowboys selected Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu at No. 24 overall in the recent projections, which come just days after the conclusion of college football's all-star circuit.
"Fautanu could stay at tackle or slide inside in the pros," NFL.Com writes. "If the Cowboys pick Fautanu and decide to move Tyler Smith to his natural left tackle spot, they'll have a left side that can protect Dak Prescott and move opponents in the run game."
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium.
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The 6-4, 317-pound Fautanu earned first-team All-PAC-12 and third-team AP All-American honors this season, starting all 15 games at left tackle.
Across the past three seasons, 30 of Fautanu's 33 starts have come at left tackle; he kicked inside to left guard for the other three.
Fautanu, who turns 24 in October, brought home multiple accolades this past season, including the Morris Award, given annually to the PAC-12's best offensive lineman, and Washington's John P. Angel Offensive Power Player of the Year.
If the Cowboys don't re-sign unrestricted free agent Tyron Smith this spring, the idea of moving Tyler Smith to left tackle becomes perhaps the best avenue - which opens a vacancy at left guard for Fautanu to fill.
With size, stylistic balance and an extensive resume, Fautanu could help take the Cowboys' offensive line back to where it once was - and do the same for Dallas's playoff fortune.
