Cowboys draft 2025: Top five pure left tackles Dallas could target

You can make a very strong argument that the Cowboys should go tackle in the first round.

The Dallas Cowboys offensive line has historically been a central reason for their past success. Going back to the 1990s glory days, it was the impressive offensive line that helped Troy Aikman deliver so expertly and Emmitt Smith set NFL records. Then there was the reemergence of that dominance at the position just a decade ago when the likes of Tyron Smith, Travis Fredrick and Zack Martin led the way, giving Tony Romo some of the best moments in his career and helped Demarco Murray break NFL records.

Last season, however, was a tough year for the offensive line, mostly due to injury, but also it lacked that elite level of protection Cowboys fans have been accustomed to. Since the season ended for Dallas, the offensive line has been a hot topic, specifically at offensive tackle. Concerns about Terence Steele and his future crept into conversation this season, and Tyler Guyton’s play at left tackle left room for plenty of debate.

Financial constraints potentially limit the Cowboys’ ability to improve their offensive line through free agency, so drafting a high-ceiling player at offensive tackle would be a cost-effective way to address a key position without significant immediate financial outlay.

One solution that has been proposed is putting Guyton at his natural position from college, right tackle, and then draft a left tackle to hold that position. There’s no shortage of great, pure left tackles in this year’s draft. Here are five names Cowboys fans should know.

Kelvin Banks Jr.

Texas Longhorns
2024 Left Tackle snaps: 800
Draft Projection: First Round

In the initial round, the Cowboys are positioned nicely to potentially select Banks, offering them optimal value. Banks is recognized for his exceptional athleticism, explosiveness, and adaptability on the field. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 324 pounds, he possesses the physical characteristics that ranks him as a highly-promising tackle prospect and fits right into Dallas’ ethos for the position. His performances, particularly in pass protection and run blocking, have been noteworthy, as he has allowed no pressures in crucial games, showcasing his potential to become an immediate starter.

The fact he fits an immediate need, long-term potential, and is a huge cultural fit for the Dallas Cowboys, makes him a prime candidate for their draft strategy in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Cowboys draft 2025: Top five pure left tackles Dallas could target

Aireontae Ersery

Minnesota Golden Gophers
2024 Left Tackle snaps: 674
Draft Projection: Early Second Round

Ersery is one guy who could be an immediate fit at either tackle spot, providing versatility and options for Dallas. He’s best described as having prototypical size for an offensive tackle at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, with surprising movement for a guy his size. His physicality, including a strong anchor in pass protection and the ability to move well in run-blocking schemes, makes him a valuable asset at left tackle for Dallas.

Ersery has been a three-year starter at left tackle for Minnesota, showcasing consistent performance with minimal sacks allowed over his college career. He has experience in a balanced, zone-based run scheme. His performance against high-caliber opponents like Abdul Carter from Penn State highlights his potential to handle elite pass rushers.

Ersery fits the Cowboys mold and seeing him tied with Tyler Smith will bring a toughness on that side of the line not seen in a while. He offers immediate help and future potential. This pick could even work with a trade down in the first round to add even more value to the pick while also aligning with strengthening the offensive line early.

Josh Conerly Jr.

Oregon Ducks
2024 Left Tackle snaps: 795
Draft Projection: Early Second Round

Conerly is another good pure left tackle who could provide a long-term solution to rejuvenate this Cowboys offensive front. He’s an elite athlete for his position with exceptional foot speed, agility, and leverage. His improvement over the season, especially in pass protection, suggests he has huge upside. His athleticism would provide an immediate impact with plenty of room to still grow.

He has shown advanced technical skills for his age, particularly in hand usage and footwork in pass protection. His ability to use various techniques to counter different types of pass rushers indicates he’s not just a one-trick pony. Although Conerly needs to work on his grip strength and anchoring against power rushers, his overall development from his freshman to his sophomore year at Oregon suggests he’s on a positive and upward trajectory. This makes him an attractive prospect for the Cowboys, who have a history of developing this exact type of lineman into Pro Bowlers.

This is another strategic value pick for Dallas. They can gamble and see if Conerly can make it to them in the second round but he also provides a level of safety and comfort if offensive linemen begin to come off the board. They could even look to trade up and snag the talented pass protector at the start of Day 2 if the risk is too high of him being gone. Conerly’s background as a high school running back turned lineman speaks to his adaptability and work ethic, traits that the Cowboys value.

Wyatt Milum

West Virginia Mountaineers
2024 Left Tackle snaps: 700
Draft Projection: Mid Second Round

Let’s start with reliability here. Wyatt Milum has been a consistent starter for West Virginia, with 32 starts in 36 games, showing durability and reliability. After a season of player injuries in Dallas at the position. this is already a huge tick in one box. His exceptional pass-blocking skills (zero sacks allowed in the last three seasons) and his performance in run-blocking scenarios (helping lead West Virginia to a top rushing attack among Power 5 schools) align well with the Cowboys’ offensive needs.

Given his experience and skill set, Milum could step in and contribute right away at left tackle for Dallas. His dedication to the game, demonstrated by his consistent performance and accolades, matches the Cowboys’ culture of developing hard-working, technically proficient offensive linemen. His ability to not allow pressures or quarterback hits in his last season at West Virginia speaks to his readiness for professional football.

Anthony Belton

NC State
2024 Left Tackle snaps: 731
Draft Projection: Late Third Round/Early Fourth round

For a decent left tackle who can contribute to Dallas in 2025, but more towards the third or fourth round, Anthony Belton is a name to consider. Belton stands at 6’6” and weighs 336 pounds, which gives him the physical stature the Cowboys look for in an offensive lineman. His good arm length, thick, wide-bodied build, and heavy hands are all check marks that Cowboys scouts have looked for in the past at the position. Belton has demonstrated effectiveness as a run blocker, using his size and length to cover up targets, displace defenders, and create rush lanes. His ability to dent defensive tackles on double-teams and his burst to cut off the backside are particularly valuable for a Cowboys offensive line that struggled last year in the run game.

While there are areas for improvement, Belton shows flashes of high-end burst and the ability to manage rushers with his natural power. His size, length, and knockback power can be particularly effective against power rushers.

Belton could be a strategic fit, especially in the mid rounds where the Cowboys might consider taking a developmental prospect as apposed to using an early pick at the position. However, Belton’s raw footwork and high pad level are notable weaknesses that could require significant coaching to address in Dallas opts to draft him. The variance in his potential suggests the Cowboys would need to be prepared for a developmental prospect rather than an immediate starter.