Dallas Cowboys: 10 Offensive Tackles and their Fit

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 30: Max Scharping #73 of the Northern Illinois Huskies celebrates after defeating the Buffalo Bulls 30-29 to win the MAC Championship at Ford Field on November 30, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 30: Max Scharping #73 of the Northern Illinois Huskies celebrates after defeating the Buffalo Bulls 30-29 to win the MAC Championship at Ford Field on November 30, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Offensive lineman Yodny Cajuste of West Virginia speaks to the media during day one of interviews at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Offensive lineman Yodny Cajuste of West Virginia speaks to the media during day one of interviews at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Yodny Cajuste, West Virginia

What’s Good: Strength, Technique

What Ain’t Good: System, Movement, Speed

Generally Big 12 offensive linemen find success in the NFL. Cajuste could find success in the NFL, but that feels dependent upon the scheme he plays in. West Virginia had one of the “up tempo spread offenses” that are popular in college football. This isn’t great for offensive linemen development as they have to play for a second or two before the ball is out of the quarterback’s hands.

Cajuste has fallen victim to that offense and this negatively impacts his evaluation. Cajuste generally showcases exceptional strength and his technique is very polished. (He was winning against LJ Collier all game) The counter would be that Big 12 defensive linemen aren’t very good but his performances against TCU and Kansas, yes Kansas, were encouraging.

In a pro style offense, Cajuste is going to be asked to block for more than a second and a half so how he copes with his shortcomings in his movement and speed will go a long way in determining the type of career Cajuste has. Cajuste has the technique and strength that make him very draft-pick worthy, but once the team picks him, how will they use him and how productive will he be?

Could he find himself donning the Star? Perhaps. He doesn’t have the flexibility to play guard and that’s okay. He would be very effective when Dallas loves to put as many players on the line as they can before they hand the ball to Zeke or have Dak run a play action where he can’t throw it to anyone.

Jokes aside, he possesses the technique to succeed but his athletic shortcomings will cause teams to shy away from him. A creative and fast paced team will get the most use out of him. With the promotion of the young and intelligent Kellen Moore, could that become the Cowboys new identity?