The Cowboys Big Uglies Should See Increased Grades

Will the Dallas Cowboys’ big uglies see an increase in grades?

Klayton Adams came over to the Dallas Cowboys from the Arizona Cardinals, where he was the offensive line coach. He was also an offensive lineman at Boise State, so he knows a thing or two.

Conor Riley is the new offensive line coach. He came from the NCAA level at Kansas State and is considered one of, if not the best, offensive line coaches in NCAA football.

These two will take over a Dallas Cowboys offensive line that did not fare well but seemed to turn the corner late in the season.

How do the Cowboys compare to the Cardinals linemen, and what type of increase can be seen?

Klayton Adams Arizona Cardinal Offensive Line Compared to the Cowboys

The Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line was the road graders for James Connor and kept Kyler Murray upright, and they did a good job.

The starting five, according to ESPN’s depth chart for the Cardinals, were:

• LT – Paris Johnson Jr. (6’6” 313)
• LG – Evan Brown (6’3” 320)
• C – Hjalte Froholdt (6’5” 310)
• RG – Will Hernandez (6’2” 322)
• RT – Kelvin Beachum (6’3” 308)

The offensive line’s average height is 6’4”, and their average weight is 315 lbs. The Cowboys should exceed this size range.

The starting five, according to ESPN’s depth chart for the Cowboys, were:

• LT – Tyler Guyton (6’7” 322)
• LG – Tyler Smith (6’6” 332
• C – Cooper Beebe (6’4” 335)
• RG – Zack Martin (6’4” 315)
• RT – Terence Steele (6’6” 310)

The average height of the Cowboys offensive line was 6’5”, and their weight was 323. The Cowboys’ line exceeded the Cardinals’ line by an average of one inch and eight pounds.

A Jump in Production at Center Should be Seen Next Season

One of the things that jumps out about the Cardinals’ offensive line is Hjalte Froholdt’s conversion from guard to center.

Teaching a player the center position will be beneficial for the Dallas Cowboys because they have the same type of guy as their second-year player, Cooper Beebe.

In 2024, Hjalte Froholdt had a pass-block grade of 66.1 (25th out of 64 centers), a run-block grade of 78.1 (7th/64), and an overall grade of 76.1 (7th/64).

Cooper Beebe’s 2024 pass-block grade was 60.3 (43rd/64), run-block grade was 66.1 (25th/64), and an overall grade was 65.4 (21st/64).

I like the upside the second-year player, Cooper Beebe, has with Klayton Adams, who is in charge of the offense and assisting with the offensive line.

Left Tackle a Concern and Growth Will Happen

The Cowboys’ major concern is the left tackle position, as rookie Tyler Guyton struggled in his first year.

The Cardinals’ left tackle last season was Paris Johnson Jr., a second-year player similar in size to Tyler Guyton.

Paris Johnson Jr had a good year with Klayton Adams coaching him. He had a pass-block grade of 78.1 (27th/141),...