For all the focus on the Cowboys’ defense this offseason, the offensive tackle spot might be just as shaky. That’s part of why Drew Shelton stands out as Dallas’ first offensive pick in the 2026 draft class, and why he’ll be worth watching when training camp opens.
Shelton arrives with a clear background and a clear assignment. He has no NFL experience, and Dallas got him with the 112th-overall pick in the fourth round. He was one of only two offensive selections the Cowboys made this year, alongside seventh-round wideout Anthony Smith.
At Penn State, Shelton spent four years building his résumé and finished as a full-time starter at left tackle over his final two seasons. His junior year was his best with the Nittany Lions, when they went 13-3 and reached the CFP Semifinal. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition in each of the last two seasons and was named to the Academic All-Big Ten team for the last three years.
The appeal was obvious enough for Dallas, but so were the concerns. Shelton was viewed in the 2026 draft cycle as one of the better athletes in the class, yet his lack of play strength dragged down his stock. He projected as a mid-round developmental tackle, and that’s exactly where he landed.
That profile makes his rookie deal appealing even if his immediate role is limited. If Shelton tops out as a swing tackle, he’d still be a cost-effective option for a position group that matters.
As for 2026, the expectation is straightforward: backup offensive tackle. His roster chance is listed at 100%, and while that might sound aggressive, the Cowboys almost never cut a fourth-round pick before Year 1 begins.
The last one to be outright cut as a rookie was WR Skyler Green in 2006. A few have dealt with injuries or spent most of the season inactive, but it has been 20 years since one failed to survive final cuts.
A starting job, though, is a much bigger ask. Shelton is not expected to jump Tyler Gutyon or Terence Steele.
The lack of play strength that showed up in scouting will take time to clean up. Even pushing Nate Thomas for the swing tackle role would be a tough climb, especially with Thomas also developing and reportedly battling Guyton for the starting job.
For now, Shelton looks like a future play more than a present one. This summer, the real competition may be with second-year tackle Ajani Cornelius rather than anyone ahead of him on the depth chart. The bigger payoff could come in 2027, after a year of development, which might matter if Guyton still hasn’t taken the next step by then.
Next month’s preseason games should offer the first real look at what Dallas thinks it has in Shelton.
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