Cowboys UDFA shows temperment to be diamond in the rough for needy OL

With OTAs just a month away, the Dallas Cowboys are moving into a critical phase of the offseason. The newest members of the roster began adapting to The Cowboys Way during rookie minicamp just over a week ago, but one player in particular has already captured fans' attention.

It isn't just his massive 6-foot-8, 300-plus pound frame that has people talking; it was his post-minicamp interview. Former Kentucky Wildcat OT Shiyazh Pete has emerged as a standout, carrying himself with a calm, philosophical demeanor that seems well beyond his years.

Pete has already made history as the first Navajo Nation native to reach the NFL, but he remains incredibly grounded.

“To put on the star is, again, surreal,” Pete noted. “But I have to earn that star. I wouldn’t say I’m an official Cowboy yet. I have yet to meet the veterans here and understand the culture."

His journey at The Star is just beginning, and the mix of his physical tools and humble mindset makes him a prospect to watch closely as summer approaches.

Shiyazh Pete Pro Day Measurement

HT: 6-foot-9

WT: 309 pounds

Arm length: 34"

40-yard dash: 5.46 seconds

10-yard split: 1.89 seconds

20-yard split: 3.08 seconds

3-cone drill: 8.06 seconds

Vertical Jump: 28 1/2" inches

Broad Jump: 88.0" inches

Games Watched: vs Toledo & vs Florida

Strengths

For a player of his size, Pete is fairly nimble, showing fluidity in his lateral movements and mirroring well in pass protection. He can effortlessly flick his hips to recover against edge rushers. On film, he showcases a consistent ability to get to the second level against linebackers. While he isn't known for a "dominant" physical trait, he is a high-IQ technician with the ability to process stunts and twists quickly; consequently, he rarely gets flagged. In the run game, Pete plays with good leverage and a solid base, providing enough drive to wash defenders out of the play. He thrives specifically in zone blocking schemes.

Weaknesses

He possesses the build, and when you watch either the Florida or Toledo game, you can see he struggled against bull rushers and those who can get under his pads due to an inconsistent anchor and center of gravity. To address this, he must enhance his lower-body strength to avoid being pushed back at the next level. Next, we have his hand placement; at times, his hands get too wide, which exposes his chest and allows defenders to penetrate. This is a common issue for taller offensive linemen, as he tends to play too high, resulting in a loss of leverage. This makes him a target for power-based edge rushers. All of these aspects can be refined, especially if he aspires to have a shot in the NFL.