Cowboys' Brian Schottenheimer Names Underrated Player to Keep An Eye On at Camp

The Dallas Cowboys' offensive line projection is among the least controversial predictions on the roster, but that isn't shying head coach Brian Schottenheimer or offensive coordinator Klayton Adams - an O-line expert - away from experimenting with different formations at training camp.

The expectation is for the starting lineup to remain the same as it was last year, with the addition of first-round rookie Tyler Booker filling in at right guard to replace the now-retired Zack Martin. Booker joins the unit alongside Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe and Terence Steele.

At OTAs and minicamp earlier this year, Schotty mentioned that he and his staff are shuffling bodies around on the offensive line to test players' versatility. That has carried over to the early phases of training camp, and one underrated player has caught the new coach's eye: Nathan Thomas.

"A guy to watch out for is Nate Thomas. He's doing great," Schotty said, via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "He's a guy we didn't get to see a lot of football out of last year. He's been great."

Thomas was drafted in the seventh round last year out of Louisiana Lafayette, but missed his entire rookie season with knee tendinitis. "He worked his [butt] off getting back," Schotty says, "He had a great spring, worked incredibly hard and was here all the time."

The 6-5, 330-pounder was an honorable mention All-Conference selection at left tackle in his last year of college. His athleticism also allows him to line up in different positions, which could make him a reliable depth piece if he makes the team.

"We're moving him around, he's playing multiple spots. He looks really good right now at tackle. He's a big guy that's hard to get around. I love that flexibility that he brings."

Last year's left tackle starter Guyton - a first-rounder in the 2024 draft - struggled a bit adjusting to the blindside after spending most of his college career as a right tackle. He is in need of a solid bounce-back season, but knowing that a guy like Thomas is waiting in the wings could ease Cowboys fans' worries about that crucial lineman position.

The All-Pro Smith, the heir to Martin's leadership pedestal, already has some experience filling in for Guyton on the outside, but Dallas has multiple bodies with tools to be utilized in different ways, Thomas being one of them.

Coming into Year 2 - which really feels like Year 1 now that he's healthy - Thomas will battle with true rookie Ajani Cornelius, Asim Richards and 6-8 giant Matt Waletzko for a backup tackle spot.

This ringing endorsement from his head coach seems to put Thomas in a nice spot here in this early training camp competition.