The Dallas Cowboys are heading into the new season with an offensive line that looks stronger than ever—and it's built the right way, with homegrown talent at every level. With Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker, and Terence Steele locked into their starting roles, the primary unit is essentially set in stone. That kind of stability is a rare luxury in the NFL, and it’s exactly what the backfield needs to feel confident heading into the fall.

This group features interior maulers who can clear lanes and bookend tackles with high-upside potential. Together, they form a solid frontline that can anchor the offense. But as any seasoned fan knows, having the same five starters return for back-to-back seasons is almost unheard of. That’s why depth isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s an invisible necessity that keeps the entire offensive machine from derailing when injuries strike.

The Cowboys have done their homework here, stocking the bench with talented players ready to step in. Today, we’re breaking down that depth and what each reserve brings to the table.

First up: T.J. Bass

After joining the team as a coveted undrafted free agent in 2023, Bass clawed his way onto the active roster through sheer grit and determination. He’s since become a reliable, multi-positional interior presence. With one more year of player control after signing his restricted free agent tender, Bass is proving he’s more than just a feel-good story—he’s a legitimate asset.

What he does well: Bass is a technician who wins with natural leverage. He’s a sharp processor who can identify complex defensive stunts in an instant. His ability to bend at the knees allows him to get under the pads of larger defenders and drive them off the line. He plays with a nasty finisher’s mentality and shows excellent coordination between his hands and feet. That makes him a dependable plug-and-play option at either guard spot, and he currently serves as the team’s backup center after the departure of Brock Hoffman.

What he needs to work on: His primary hurdles are a limited athletic ceiling and a tendency for his hands to drift wide during pass protection. He sometimes lacks the lateral movement to mirror elusive interior rushers, which can leave him vulnerable in space. Still, for a player who entered the league as an undrafted free agent, Bass has already exceeded expectations—and he’s only getting better.