It's pretty crazy that it didn't translate to more success on the field and in the win-loss record, but the Dallas Cowboys lived up to their billing with the big guys up front in 2015 as their offensive line was named the best in the NFL by the fine folks at Pro Football Focus.
That's what happens when you draft offensive linemen in the first round in three straight years and then get a first-round talent as an undrafted free agent because of an unfortunate incident that ended up having nothing to do with the poor guy. So basically, it's four first-rounders in four straight years, and it leads to awesomeness.
The best of the bunch, according to PFF, is a no-brainer as Tyron Smith continues to be one of the best in the game and was the first of the run of first-round talent the Cowboys got. The weak link? Rookie La'el Collins, and not because he's bad, just because everyone else is so good.
Here's what PFF wrote about the Cowboys' offensive line:
Stud: With studs at three spots on the line, it was hard picking a No. 1 guy. But left tackle Tyron Smith, our second-ranked lineman on the year, is that guy, with a tremendous season that has become the norm for him.
Dud: He was far from disappointing, but rookie La'el Collins was the weakest link on this line, simply by not being as good as the other guys on it.
Summary: That’s two years in a row atop our rankings for the Cowboys, who have reaped the rewards on their heavy investment in talent with first-round picks. All three of their former top picks graded in the top three at their respective positions, and even the less-heralded members were hardly poor. The Cowboys are our top offensive line for the second year in a row, and the truth is, it wasn’t even close.
