Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Offensive Overhaul Gives Dallas Super Bowl-Ready Roster

Round 5: Nathan Thomas, OT, Louisiana

Tyron Smith continues to be a weapon for the Cowboys when he plays and in 2023, he was able to suit up more often than we have seen in recent years. Smith played in 13 games after making it in just four in 2022, 11 in 2021, and two in 2020. He also was out there in their lone playoff berth.

Now entering the offseason as a free agent, there's no true indication as to whether or not Smith will return. If he does exit, the Cowboys are likely going to need to draft a left tackle much earlier than this. But with his familiarity with this franchise, and their belief in him, it's likely he returns on another one-year deal.

In this scenario, that's what happens — but Dallas still needs to get a better reserve tackle since Smith won't play all 17 games. That's why they take Nathan Thomas out of Louisiana with their fifth-round selection. Thomas is listed at 6-foot-5 and 334 pounds, giving them yet another massive player on the front line. He's also very experienced with two years of starting experience at left tackle.

He still needs to develop but showed a lot of progress this past season, especially when it comes to pass protection. For the Cowboys, that was an issue this season, so adding two players in this draft who can improve this area is a win for the front office.