Dallas Cowboys Draft: Warren McClendon, OT Profile

With Connor McGovern an unrestricted free agent and Terence Steele a restricted free agent, the Dallas Cowboys are looking for an offensive lineman this draft cycle. Someone who can play both inside and outside is ideal, but that skill set usually takes some projection from the scouting department.

Warren McClendon is a true right tackle who I believe has the ability to play inside at the next level. This gives the Dallas Cowboys flexibility as they shuffle their line over the next few seasons and fills an immediate need this year since McGovern is likely playing elsewhere.

Georgia offensive tackle Warren McClendon is someone Dallas Cowboys fans need to know this draft cycle.

Warren McClendon, 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, is one of the best known offensive tackles this year. The Championship winning tackle is a former four-star recruit and three year starter for Georgia. He’s played in some of the biggest games and on the biggest stages.

McClendon isn’t heavy, but he’s long and powerful. He plays with high effort every snap and has the skill set to do multiple things making him scheme versatile heading into the draft.

He’s a quick and powerful run-blocker can do everything asked of him. He’s inconsistent but it’s not because of lack-of-ability. He started 37 games making his durability a major asset.

In pass-protection, McClendon has been a wall. He has the required 34-inch arms the Dallas Cowboys love and has a track record of success, rarely giving up pressures and logging an elite 82.1 pass block rating from Pro Football Focus.

Projected Draft Spot: With the combine still ahead, the dust needs to settle at the OT position group. McClendon projects best as a right tackle and his performance at the Senior Bowl only helped his status. He’s a clear Day 2 pick with the potential to go in either the second or third round. TDN has him as a third rounder falling on their big board at 118 overall.

The Dallas Cowboys have two tackles who are run blocking specialist. It would do them well to add a player who projects better in pass-protection in order to diversify their skill sets and cover up some of their current vulnerabilities.