As the 2024 NFL draft is set to begin, it’s clear on major position of need for the Dallas Cowboys is left tackle. 5x All-Pro Tyron Smith took his talents to the New York Jets to block for Aaron Rodgers in free agency. The Cowboys drafted his supposed replacement in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft when they selected Tyler Smith.
Since then, Tyler Smith became an All-Pro left guard, and if the team is hesitant to move him outside, there is not currently a sure fire in-house replacement for the elder Smith. As such, this weekend’s draft seems like a perfect time to find that guy. Here are the top 5 left tackles in the 2024 NFL draft.
Sep 9, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tackle Joe Alt (76) during the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Alt is the best left tacklein the draft. He is projected to be selected in the top 10 picks in the first round. If the Cowboys want him, they would need to trade up, something they haven’t done since 2012 when they selected Mo Claiborne.
Alt possesses the ideal blend of size, length, athleticism and football IQ.
General information: In 2023, Alt emerged as a team leader and was recognized as a unanimous first team All-American. His exceptional performance also made him a finalist for the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy, and he was named Notre Dame’s Offensive Lineman of the Year. In 2022 he was consistently recognized as a first-team All-American by various outlets. A four-star recruit from Minnesota, he comes from a football legacy, with his father John being a former first-round NFL draft pick, two-time Pro Bowl selection, and Chiefs Hall of Fame inductee. Alt’s family background and his own achievements highlight his potential for a promising career in football.
Playing history: Alt began his collegiate career as a backup left tackle in 2021 at Notre Dame but quickly established himself as the starter by the season’s midpoint. He retained the starting left tackle position throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons, showcasing his adaptability and growth within Notre Dame’s spread offense. Alt’s transition from a high school tight end to a college left tackle underscores his versatility and ability to excel at a higher level of play in a new position. He retained a clean bill of health through it all.
Physical profile: Wearing #76, he stands out with a towering height of 6’ 8″, providing a significant advantage over the average offensive tackle (OT) prospect. His weight is perfectly on par with the standard, and his wingspan and arm measurements are within the expected range for his position. Alt’s athleticism is particularly noteworthy; he dashes through the 40-yard dash in a swift 5.05 seconds, leaps a broad jump of 112 inches, and shows agility with a 7.31-second 3-Cone drill and a 4.51-second 20-yard shuttle. His bench press al so impresses, with 27 reps indicating a strength that exceeds the average OT prospect.
Positives: Entering the draft at 21, Alt boasts a clean bill of health and three years of substantial experience at Notre Dame. His height is complemented by excellent athleticism and adequate strength, making him a formidable force in any run blocking scheme. While he has less experience in zone blocking, his performance is considered elite. Alt’s movement, footwork, hand technique, timing, precision, and ability to recover are all top-notch. Notably, he maintains an impressive knee bend for his size, which contributes to his leverage, balance, and strong anchoring ability. Alt mirrors opponents effectively after successfully transitioned from tight end to offensive tackle. Statistically, he has allowed a minimal number of pressures and penalties over the past two years, with no sacks allowed in 2022 and only one in 2023. His skills have earned him high rankings from PFF, placing him among the top offensive tackles in the country for both run blocking and pass blocking.
Negatives: Joe Alt’s drawbacks include a slim build and a reach that is not proportionate to his height. He lacks the intangible quality of being a ‘soul snatcher’ and does not possess elite core or grip strength. His performance at the combine revealed a discomfort on the right side of the offensive line, indicating a potential inability to adapt to the right tackle position and a lack of versatility. His run blocking, while technically sound, relies more on movement, technique, leverage, and effort rather than raw power to seal and crack open defenses.
Oct 8, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (75) blocks during the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
You can read Taliese Fuaga’s full profile and fit with the Cowboys here.
The highlights:
General information: Of Samoan descent, Fuaga is a Tacoma, Washington native. He is one of five siblings, including three older brothers and a sister. In high school Fuaga played left tackle, left guard and defensive tackle. Hard work paid off in the way of All-Area and All-League honors, a consensus three-star recruitment rating, and offers from multiple schools including USC, Oregon, Nevada and Oregon State. Fuaga would elect to attend Oregon State where he would play all four years of his collegiate career. The Beaver’s right tackle is now dripping in accolades acquired for his on-field performance. Additionally, Fuaga would showcase his learning ability by way of earning a 2021 Pac-12 Academic honor roll distinction.
Playing history:
Physical profile: Wearing #75, Fuaga is an offensive tackle (OT) prospect standing at a standard height for his position but brings additional heft at 332 pounds, surpassing the average OT weight. His wingspan and arm measurements are slightly shorter than typical, with hands that are slightly larger than usual. Fuaga’s athleticism shines through with a 40-yard dash time that’s faster than average and jumping abilities that showcase his explosive power. Although he didn’t participate in the agility drills or bench press, his existing metrics suggest a player who combines size with athletic finesse. His play strength on tape is the most impressive in this year’s draft class.
Positives: Fuaga’s play is highlighted by a strong display of tenacity and play strength, complemented by a firm grip and quick, active hands. He is adept at latching onto opponents and steering them effectively, all while maintaining quality pad level and showcasing excellent overall movement. Fuaga’s ability to reach any block is noted, as is his core strength and contact balance. He has an excellent football IQ, particularly in identifying and countering stunts and blitzes. Impressively, Fuaga has never allowed a sack during his college career, and watching him displace defenders in the run game can be a sight to behold. He was recognized as the top run blocker among offensive tackles (OTs) by PFF and was ranked 64th in pass blocking among OTs in 2023.
Negatives: Fuaga’s reach is considered suboptimal, and he shows vulnerability to cross-chops in pass protection, as he often on an initial punch from the outside hand to the outside shoulder leaving his inside hand open to counter. Ultimately, varying his initial punch could be advantageous against more refined NFL pass rush. Fuaga will need to improve his snap anticipation and has a tendency to grab cloth outside the shoulder pads. His kick-slide depth can appear limited at times, making him susceptible to speed rushes. His aggression can get the best of him at times, particularly after the whistle. He incurred 8 penalties in 2023, something he’ll want to limit as a professional. He projects best as a right tackle, lacking swing versatility experience.
Penn State sophomore offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu talks with a reporter during football media day at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, August 6, 2022, in State College.
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Fashanu has been regarded as a first round talent dating back prior to the 2023 football season. Consensus belief being he would be a top 10 pick, but current projection has him going somewhere in the mid-to-late first round. It may be a long shot for Fashanu to fall to the Cowboys at 24, but crazier things have happened.
Fashanu is a young prospect oozing with ideal traits and potential.
General information: Olumuyiwa Anthony Fashanu, a Washington D.C. native, has had a distinguished collegiate football career, marked by numerous accolades. In 2023, he was honored as the Rimington-Pace Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, received first-team All-Big Ten recognition, and was acknowledged for his academic achievements with Academic All-Big Ten laurels. His excellence on the field was further recognized as he became a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy and a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award. Additionally, he was named a midseason All-American by both Sporting News and the Associated Press. The previous year, Fashanu earned second-team All-American honors from Walter Camp and was a consistent second-team All-Big Ten pick by various outlets. His commitment to excellence extends beyond the field, as evidenced by his volunteer work at a local homeless shelter, reflecting his strong character and community involvement.
Physical profile: Wearing #74, Fashanu possesses a prototypical frame and ideal athleticism for an offensive tackle (OT). His height of 6’ 6″ and weight of 312 pounds are both squarely in line with the average OT prospect. With a wingspan of 82.75 inches, Fashanu reach is standard, although his hands are smaller than average. On the field, his speed is evident with a 5.11-second 40-yard dash, surpassing the typical OT benchmark. Fashanu’s explosive ability is also notable, with a 32-inch vertical and 109-inch broad jump, both above average. However, he did not participate in the 3-Cone drill, 20-yard shuttle, or bench press.
Playing history: Fashanu’s collegiate playing history at Penn State is marked by steady progression. After not seeing any playtime during his freshman year in 2020, he began to participate in a limited backup capacity as a left tackle in 2021. Fashanu’s development and skill were evident as he secured the starting left tackle role for both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. During his tenure, he was an integral part of a spread offense that focused on zone-based running plays, showcasing his adaptability and proficiency in the team’s offensive strategy.
Positives: At just 21 years old, Fashanu is a pass protection specialist who has faced Power 5 competition. His fast and agile feet, while maintaining impressive knee bend, allow him to absorb power through core flexibility and handle speed and bend effectively. Once he gets his hands inside, he dominates the play. Fashanu is well-versed in a zone-heavy run scheme, with a healthy mix in gap scheme run blocking experience. His flexibility and alertness to stunts and blitzes make him a formidable opponent on the line. Fashanu’s youth, combined with intelligence and a natural ability for pass blocking, are significant assets. His discipline is reflected in having only five career penalties and allowing just 17 pressures, with no sacks conceded during his college career. Fashanu’s skills have been recognized by PFF, ranking him 7th and 15th in the nation for pass blocking grade among offensive tackles in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Negatives: Fashanu’s concerns include a history of season-ending injury (2022 Ohio State game) and a particularly challenging game against Ohio State in 2023, which raised doubts about his first-round draft potential. However, his overall performance suggests significant promise. He tends to struggle against opponents who possess a powerful combination of strength and speed, which he will frequently encounter in the NFL. Fashanu’s technique is characterized by low hands and a reliance on core strength and timing, which sometimes results in him being disengaged. While his hand technique and anchoring ability need improvement, he also lacks the aggressive force necessary to displace and uproot opponents in the run game. Additionally, his kick-slide depth and footwork mechanics could be refined.
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Fautanu has the best movement capabilities in the class. Projected by many to be a first round pick, perhaps he could even fall into day 2 of the draft. He pairs his athleticism with adequate size and experience at the left tackle position.
General information: As a minor, Troy Fautanu relocated a few times from California, to Washington, to Utah and finally to Nevada. He attended Liberty High School in the shadows of Las Vegas. While there, Fautanu played both ways along the offensive and defensive lines earning a state championship, All-State honors, a four-star recruitment rating and an impressive amount of scholarship offers. He decided to attend the University of Washington to play for the Huskies for five seasons. He redshirted in 2019, his first season, and did not play. Fautanu would ride the bench for the 2020 season, but retained the year of eligibility due to emergency covid rules. 2021 he played in a backup role amassing about 200 snaps as a left tackle and about 50 snaps playing left guard. Fautanu would ascend to a starting role on the depth chart as a left tackle in 2022, a role he would retain through the 2023 season. Fautanu would be recognized for his performance on the football field by being awarded All-American third team and All-Pac-12 first team honors.
Physical profile: Wore #55, Fautanu stands with a shorter yet full frame at 6’ 3″ and a weight of 317 pounds, aligns with the standard for offensive tackles (OT) in terms of mass. His wingspan and arm length are within the average range, as is his hand size. Fautanu’s athleticism is highlighted by a 40-yard dash time that’s significantly faster than his typical OT times and jumping abilities that are notably superior, suggesting a strong lower body and explosive power. Although there’s no data on his agility drills or bench press, his existing metrics indicate a player with a robust build and exceptional athletic skills. And his tape confirms it.
Playing history: Fautanu’s history at Washington reveals a trajectory of growth and increased responsibility. Initially redshirted in 2019, he saw limited action in 2020 with only 12 offensive snaps. His involvement grew significantly in 2021, contributing 201 offensive snaps, mainly as a backup left tackle, and an additional 46 snaps at left guard. By 2022 and 2023, he had secured the starting left tackle position, playing a crucial role in Washington’s air raid offense, which emphasizes a fast-paced and pass-heavy approach.
Positives: Troy Fautanu is highly regarded for having the best movement in his class, complemented by a dense frame. He adapted to a run blocking scheme change from zone heavy in 2022 to a balanced gap vs zone in 2023. His footwork technique is solid, maintaining knee bend, operating effectively in space, pulling across the line, and climbing to the second level. He consistently remembers his base in his pass sets and is alert to stunts and blitzes. His pass blocking proficiency is notable, ranking 8th among offensive tackles (OTs) in 2023 and 68th in 2022.
Negatives: Fautanu drawbacks include being 23 years old at draft night and having an injury history that includes a 2019 foot surgery. While he moves well, his play strength and accuracy in space need improvement. Fautanu tends to lean into his run blocking assignments and is not considered a dominant run blocker. His pad level and leverage could be better given his height, and his hand technique and snap anticipation require refinement. Fautanu is a 5-year player with just 2 years as a starter, he allowed 2 sacks in 2023 and has accumulated 15 career penalties, with 6 occurring in 2023.
Nov 25, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats offensive lineman Jordan Morgan (77) against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Morgan has been one of the most consistent and impressive collegiate offensive tackles in the country over the past few seasons. He should definitely be available to the Cowboys in round 1 at pick 24. He may even be available in round 2 at pick 56. He is an appealing option, because although he has only ever played left tackle, he projects as a guy that could also play left guard. This gives him a similar portfolio to current Cowboys’ offensive lineman, Tyler Smith.
General information: Jordan Morgan achieved a series of commendations, including AP First-Team All-Pac-12 and a selection as a Second Team All-American by CBS Sports/247Sports. His performance also earned him a spot on the All-Pac-12 First Team and an invitation to the prestigious Reese’s Senior Bowl. The previous year, he garnered AP First-Team All-Pac-12 honors and an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention. Morgan’s athletic prowess was evident in high school, where he was an all-state athlete and excelled in track and field, specifically in shot put. Hailing from Arizona, his journey reflects a consistent rise in recognition and achievement throughout his academic and athletic career.
Physical profile: Wore #77, Jordan Morgan is slightly undersized for an offensive tackle (OT), compensates with his athleticism. Standing at 6’ 4.875″ and weighing 312 pounds, he’s just an inch below and close to the standard OT weight. His wingspan and hand size are more than adequate, although his arm length and reach is a bit shorter than ideal. On the field, his 5.04-second 40-yard dash impresses, outpacing the average OT speed. Morgan’s explosiveness is showcased by a vertical jump which meets expectations, and his broad jump exceeds that of a standard OT prospect. He did not participate in the 3-Cone or 20-yard shuttle, but his upper-body strength was on display with a bench press that exceeds the norm with 27 reps.
Playing history: Jordan Morgan, now a 5th-year senior, experienced a truncated season due to COVID-19. Initially, he played sparingly as a backup left tackle in 2019 and 2020. Morgan established himself as the starting left tackle in 2021 and maintained this role through the 2023 season. During his tenure, he was part of an Arizona offense that employed a pro-style approach, focusing on run-pass options (RPOs) and zone running plays, which likely contributed to his development and understanding of complex offensive schemes.
Positives: At 22 years old, Morgan is entering the draft with a reputation for strong hands and grip strength, complemented by a quick first step and excellent short area movement. His agility extends to open space, where he can effectively maneuver his opponent. As a dedicated left tackle, he is known for precise hand strikes and brings a wealth of experience to the offensive tackle position. Morgan’s technique includes maintaining a solid knee bend in his moevement and he has shown proficiency in a zone-heavy run scheme. His ability to block in both zone and gap schemes, moving and sealing effectively, has earned him respectable rankings by PFF as a run blocker where he stands out as a pass blocker, ranking 10th in the nation in 2023. His skill set indicates a well-rounded and reliable offensive line prospect, even if the Cowboys were to have him play left guard while Tyler Smith plays left tackle.
Negatives: Jordan Morgan’s challenges include a season-ending ACL injury in 2022 and a reach that may not meet the ideal standards for his position. His gameplay, heavily reliant on precision and timing, sometimes falters against complex counter moves. Morgan tends to play with his hands low, depending on a singular, well-placed punch to secure grip. His tape suggests vulnerability to confusion or missed assignments on defensive stunts and twists. Morgan’s footwork, while competent, could benefit from further refinement, especially in recovery situations. He lacks experience with swing or inside versatility, making him susceptible to agile speed rushers. Morgan’s anchoring ability is serviceable but not considered among the elite, and while accuracy in space is a common challenge for offensive linemen, his is not regarded as top-tier. Statistically, he has allowed a total of 69 career pressures and 10 sacks, with 14 pressures and 2 sacks occurring in 2023, alongside a tally of 12 career penalties, including 4 in the most recent season and 5 in 2021. These figures suggest areas where the player could focus on improvement as he transitions to the professional level.
One player to watch is Pitt’s Matt Goncalves. The Cowboys brought him in for a pre-draft 3-visit earlier this month, a surprise to many. Cowboys Nation is firmly under the belief that the Cowboys will take an offensive lineman early in the draft. However, as Will McClay said in Dallas’ war room last year, this team has invested a lot of early round capital in the offensive line. At some point, you need to draw from the well elsewhere. The Cowboys seem to have covered their base on that front with a Matt Goncalves contingency plan.
Matt Goncalves provides a unique quality to the Cowboys, something the others above do not, swing tackle experience and capability. He can play both left tackle and right tackle. Both of those positions currently hold question marks on the Cowboys’ roster.
General information: Hailing from New York, Matt Goncalves has made notable strides in his academic and athletic career. In 2022, he was recognized on the All-ACC third team and named to the All-ACC Academic Football Team, showcasing his balance of sports and scholarship. Goncalves talent was evident early on, as he was named a Freshman All-American by the FWAA in 2020. A versatile athlete, he played basketball in high school. Academically, he has already earned a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice and is furthering his education by pursuing a second major in communication.
Physical profile: Wore #76, Matt Goncalves stands at a solid 6’ 6″ and carries a heavier frame at 327 pounds, surpassing the average offensive tackle weight. His wingspan and arm length are within the standard range for his position, though his hands are on the smaller side. Goncalves showcases a quick 40-yard dash time, indicating good speed, and his vertical jump suggests above-average explosive ability. However, his agility as measured by the 20-yard shuttle is slower, and his bench press numbers, while respectable, fall short of the average, pointing to areas where he could improve his overall athletic profile.
Playing history: Goncalves’ journey at Pitt began with a redshirt year in 2018, where he did not participate in any games. In the following years, he became a significant backup presence, primarily at left tackle in 2020 and right tackle in 2021. His versatility was on display in 2022 when he started the season at right tackle and transitioned to left tackle by the fourth week, even returning to right tackle for two games later in the season. By 2023, Goncalves had solidified his position as the full-time left tackle, but his season was cut short due to an injury. Throughout his time at Pitt, he was part of a complex pro-style multiple offense that utilized a diverse array of concepts, formations, and personnel groupings, preparing him for a variety of roles at the professional level.
Positives: Goncalves stands out for his hand fighting skills and possesses an adequate frame and athletic profile suitable for his position. Despite limited experience, he has become a specialist in gap and power run blocking. His background as a swing tackle and extensive experience in zone blocking schemes contribute to his versatility on the line. Goncalves is known for playing technically sound football, with precise timing and hand placement, and his kick-slide mechanics in pass protection are notably proficient. As a run blocker, he effectively displaces defenders and has a commendable track record of not allowing a sack since 2021. With only four career penalties, he demonstrates discipline and adaptability, especially with the scheme change in 2022 that shifted the focus to the run game while maintaining a pro-style variety of principles. His overall profile suggests a reliable and technically skilled player ready to take on professional challenges.
Negatives: Goncalves, at 23, brings six years of college football experience to the draft, a journey marked by multiple season-ending injuries. His vulnerabilities are evident in his susceptibility to counters, outside-in moves, stunts, and blitzes, which may be attributed to his lack of ideal length and aggressive edge. While Goncalves’ awareness and recognition against complex defensive schemes need improvement, his recovery skills and sustainability on the field also pose concerns. Additionally, his ability to anchor against power rushes is not as robust as desired, indicating areas that could benefit from further development as he prepares for the professional level.
Oct 28, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas Jayhawks during the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Other names to keep an eye on include Kingsley Suamataia (BYU), Amarius Mims( Georgia), Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma) and Patrick Paul (Houston).
All of these names are firmly on the draft communities early round radar. Suamataia possesses swing tackle versatility as a first to second round prospect.
Amarius Mims has only played in 8 games, but he is the most impressive physical specimen in this years draft. When he did play, he showed tremendous potential. As a college right tackle. who also practiced at left tackle and possesses impressive movement capability for a man of his size, Mims is firmly in the mix as a first or second round pick.
Tyler Guyton is a collegiate right tackle who shares a similar profile with Amarius Mims. He presents an impressive combination of size and athleticism. Many in the draft community believe he can play left tackle and could be a good fit with the Cowboys.
Patrick Paul has not played in a Power 5 football program, 5 years at Houston as a left tackle, but he has been one of the most consistent tackles in the country as both a pass protector and as a run blocker. He’s massive and incredibly strong on the field, consistently manhandling his opponents. He may be a little heavy footed, but he’s firmly in the day 2 mix.