5 players who Cowboys need to be great in 2020

3. Tyron Smith, LT

The Dallas Cowboys have been at the top of the “who has the best offensive line in the NFL?” conversation for the last few years. After drafting long-term, impact starters to play on the line, the team’s success has been largely contingent on this unit.

Tyron Smith, Zack Martin and Travis Frederick headed this dominant group. All three had been in the conversation for best at their position, but Frederick retired this offseason and Smith has had to battle injuries the last few years.

Martin is still undoubtedly one of the league’s best guards, if not the best. He will help the transition under center go smoother and continue making La’el Collins stronger at right tackle (not that Collins is an incompetent tackle).

However, and here is why Smith is so crucial in 2020, the left side of the line is a little worrisome if Smith regresses.

Connor Williams will likely get the left guard spot, playing next to Smith. Williams has started 21 games in his career, but now the former second-rounder will be relied upon more heavily.

Like Martin does for Collins, and he will do for the presumed Frederick replacements (either Joe Looney or Tyler Biadasz), Smith can help solidify the left side by playing great and helping Williams.

Smith seemed to decline following his Pro Bowl, All-Pro season in 2016. Dealing with injuries in 2017 and 2018, he just did not look the same. Last year, he played better, but still missed three games.

Prescott has had the luxury of not dealing with a lot of pressure in the pocket throughout his career. In the same instance, running back Ezekiel Elliot has been afforded many large running lanes to work with too.

Smith and the offensive line have the most impact on the outcome of games and the season. With a healthy and great 2020, Smith can make the changes on the line happen without hiccups and allow the stars on offense to score a lot of points.