'I'm Committed to the Cowboys!' What Will McClay Move Means In 1st Round of NFL Draft

Dallas Cowboys vice president of player personnel Will McClay will return for next season. Could his track record of taking offensive linemen early continue in the 2024 NFL Draft?

The Dallas Cowboys got the good news this week that Will McClay, the esteemed vice president of player personnel, will once again return. His work has helped America’s Team find continued regular-season success, particularly through a strong track record in the NFL Draft.

"I didn't want to waste anybody's time," McClay said of this week's decision to pass on GM interviews elsewhere. "I am committed to being here. ... I'm going to roll with it. I have another year left on my contract."

That does mean we'll all do this dance again in a year. But for now ...

He’s been an important figure in the Dallas draft room for a decade. As David Helman pointed out, seven of Dallas' first-round picks earned an All-Pro nod, and one was used on star receiver Amari Cooper. Two of those – Zack Martin and Tyler Smith – have fortified an offensive line that has largely performed well for quarterbacks Tony Romo and Dak Prescott.

However, Father Time and looming contract extensions could threaten the future of the Cowboys’ front five. Should McClay return to the trenches?

Sep 9, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Jaquez Moore (9) celebrates a touchdown with offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) during the second half against Lafayette at Wallace Wade Stadium / © Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports

Barring an unforeseen trade, Dallas will be picking late in the first round. A serious playoff run could push that into the early 30s. In short, don’t expect another Martin-level prospect to fall into McClay’s lap. However, the Smith pick has showcased an eye for talent on prospects that aren’t without questions. Many of the linemen projected around the end of the first round are facing a position change or legitimate developmental hurdles.

Playing multiple positions is a feature, not a bug, of Duke lineman Graham Barton’s game. His versatility makes him especially attractive to the Cowboys. Smith, one of the best left guards in the sport, will hold down that spot. But a Barton selection could give them a replacement for either Martin or left tackle Tyron Smith. Neither is getting any younger, but the latter hasn’t played a full season since 2015.

Barton started his collegiate career as a center, where Dallas may need a replacement for pending free agent Tyler Biadasz.

Another prospect who may see snaps at multiple spots is Washington lineman Troy Fautanu. He’ll likely get a shot to play tackle at some point, even as depth, but the consensus projects him to move inside because of his short arms. Fautanu is a mauler who can help the Cowboys on inside runs, where they’ve struggled this season.

Dallas could look in its backyard, too. Oklahoma Sooners tackle Tyler Guyton isn’t as technically sound as the prospects that will be taken before him, but makes up for it with lucrative upside. Whether he’s the heir to Smith’s throne at left tackle or Terence Steele’s replacement on the right side.

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Guyton’s size/strength/speed combination will earn him some fans, but his lack of starting experience shows in his technique. For all the talent he possesses, he’s the least likely of this bunch to have an immediate impact.

That hasn’t stopped the Cowboys from acquiring players before. Even last year’s first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith, wasn’t expected to be a plug-and-play star, despite his draft capital.

Drafting linemen early has been a sound strategy for America’s Team. Don’t be surprised if they go back to that well in April.