This Cowboys draft pick shouldn’t be forgotten

A week or so after the 2026 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys should feel really good about what they did in Pittsburgh. Despite only adding one surefire starter, the Cowboys did an excellent job of adding multiple players who should contribute in a big way in 2026. Fourth-round offensive tackle Drew Shelton is a player who has flown a bit under-the-radar post draft.

Despite Shelton being the Cowboys biggest reach according to the consensus board, the Cowboys seemed to be very high on the former Penn State offensive lineman and considered drafting him in the third round with the 92nd overall pick.

Shelton is still a bit raw from a technical and strength aspect, but his athleticism and length gives the Cowboys a player that has legit developmental starting potential. It’s no secret the Cowboys are looking for someone to develop into a future starter at left and/or right tackle. Tyler Guyton’s inability to stay healthy and Terence Steele’s issues in pass protection have led the Cowboys to try different combinations at both spots over the last few seasons.

Last year, we saw Nathan Thomas get some run as a starter, but the team quickly pivoted once seeing Thomas’ struggles. Based on how high the Cowboys seem to be on Shelton, it should not shock anyone if he is the team’s number one option at swing tackle and the first off the bench to replace Guyton or Steele if their play doesn’t improve in 2026.

Shelton has primarily played left tackle at Penn State, but did log 230 snaps at right tackle in 2023 for the Nittany Lions.

In the Cowboys defensive heavy draft, it’s easy to forget about Shelton and his possible impact on the Cowboys offensive line rotation in 2026, but it would be wise to keep his name near the top of the list of potential starters as we approach training camp.