Do the Cowboys Have the Best Interior Offensive Line Duo Entering 2026?
The Dallas Cowboys, entering 2026, have arguably one of the best offenses in the sport. With elite skill players leading the receiving core, such as CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, paired with star quarterback Dak Prescott throwing them the football, Dallas' offense reached insane heights last year. While players who hold the football get most of the attention, an underappreciated aspect of the Dallas offense was its play on the offensive line. The Dallas offensive line has entered a new era after the team prioritized the group in the first round of the 2022 draft. Now entering 2026, the Cowboys have spent two first-round picks on guards in the past four years, and their performances raise the question: do the Cowboys have the best interior offensive line duo in the NFL?
The claim that Dallas has the best guards in the NFL stems from a recent survey in which NFL executives, scouts, and coaches were asked about the best interior offensive linemen, and Cowboys left guard Tyler Smith ranked as the highest interior lineman in the NFL. His combination of athleticism and size is difficult to find in guards, matched by his football IQ; he has earned respect and is highly regarded around the league. Not far behind is Dallas sophomore right guard Tyler Booker, who had a stellar rookie year after leaving Alabama. He also possesses a unique set of qualities that are difficult to find. With his leadership and IQ, he is the perfect counterpart to Smith on the opposite side of the line.
The best part about the two Tylers is how young they are. Smith, 25, and Booker, 22, have the opportunity to lead the front line in Dallas for years to come. Both are considered years ahead of what they could even become and still have a lot to improve on in the NFL. Looking around the league, it is rare to find another pair of interior offensive linemen comparable to what Dallas has and what they can become. Both players entered the NFL with uncertainties; for Smith, the concern was whether he could reduce penalties and reach his full potential, while for Booker, it was whether he could surpass the floor he had entered the league and advance to the next level. They are still young in their pro careers, but consider that Smith is regarded as the best at his position in the league and Booker was considered the best at his position as a rookie; the duo can certainly be the best in the NFL.
