Dallas Cowboys: Watch out NFL, the Dallas O-line is back
By Reid Hanson
Dallas Cowboys Left Guard: Connor Williams
Inarguably the most underrated player on this offensive line is Connor Williams. Dallas Cowboys fans, spoiled by elite play and dominant athletes on the O-line, have been notoriously critical of Williams throughout his career.
Often dwelling on one bad play to invalidate two dozen good plays, Williams has been seen as a weak link and nothing more than a replacement level part. In reality, he’s been a tremendous asset and someone most NFL teams would kill to have on their roster. Rated by PFF as the 16th guard in the NFL last year, Williams wins battles far more often than he loses. Despite having below average strength, Williams is athletic and polished and wins a variety of ways.
Connor Williams, PFF's No. 16 rated guard last year, just turned 24 this month. He's the second youngest guard who rated in the top-26 last year and has only scratched the surface on his potential. #DallasCowboys
— Reid D Hanson (@ReidDHanson) May 20, 2021
At just 24-years old, he’s one of the youngest guards in the NFL and abnormally good for his age. He graded in the 75 percentile last season, and while that may not be on Zack Martin’s level, it’s far better than most and he’s anything but a weak link here in 2021.
Best yet, Williams is in a contract year this year and is playing for the biggest contract of his life. If he reproduces his 2020 season, he’s going to cash in big (and probably be too expensive to re-sign). That will act as an extra motivating factor this year and should drive him to be his very best.