Dallas Cowboys: 10 Offensive Tackles and their Fit
Kaleb McGary, Washington
What’s Good: Run blocking, Size, Body Control
What Ain’t Good: Lateral movement, Hip Fluidity, Arm length
Kaleb McGary is the guy everyone supports after hearing about his upbringing. Unfortunately, that can cause people to evaluate him differently. But here I stand before you to tell you that while people love Kaleb McGary, I share a mutual love only he he plays guard at the next level.
McGary is massive at 6’7″ and 315 pounds so it makes sense that his arm length is only 32 7/8″. (This is sarcasm) The Washington product has the size scouts love at the tackle position but his hip stiffness and lateral movement are concerns for his future at the tackle position no matter how much people love his size.
When dealing with effective speed rushers, they fly by him. He doesn’t have the arm length to engage and disrupt their path of pursuit and he doesn’t have the quickness to get to the outside before the edge rusher. However, when dealing with a bull or power rusher, he is able to fend for himself.
He has impressive balance for someone that tall and clearly has the strength to push people away or stand his ground. (It’s unfortunate his arms couldn’t increase his effectiveness) So for that reason, why not move him to guard? He has the strength and balance to become an effective interior lineman. Throw in his better than expected run blocking and he stands a chance of being a really good offensive guard at the next level.
In regards to the Cowboys, a guard isn’t necessary. Zack Martin and Connor Williams look to be for for the long run and the Cowboys have quality backups, so in the even they drafted McGary he would be playing tackle.
There’s no question this team loves to run the ball. McGary came from a heavy run offense at Washington blocking for Myles Gaskin. If asked to pass protect he might have a hard time with the more explosive edge rushers in the NFL, but the Cowboys don’t play in a division with those type of rushers.
The Eagles have Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett, the Giants have Lorenzo Carter and Markus Golden, and the Redskins have Ryan Kerrigan and Matt Ioannidis. No offense to the future Hall-of-Famer Ryan Kerrigan, but he isn’t a ridiculous athlete. (If you don’t believe me, look up his stats and tell me that isn’t HOF worthy)
In the event the Cowboys took McGary and asked him to play tackle, he could probably hold his ground fine in the NFC East.