With the NFL draft just around the corner, the Dallas Cowboys are facing a crucial decision regarding their 12th overall pick. As things stand, it’s uncertain what the team will do with their selection. Given the unpredictable nature of this year’s draft, where top prospects can potentially fall to much lower picks, the Cowboys will likely need to wait and observe how the picks above them unfold.
In the meantime, the Cowboys’ front office has made a notable move by signing Hakeem Adeniji, a 27-year-old offensive lineman who has experience playing both guard and tackle. Adeniji, who began his career as a sixth-round pick by the Bengals in 2020, has had a journeyman career so far, with flashes of brilliance but also struggles with injuries. Most recently, he suffered a knee injury while playing for the Browns, which raises concerns about his availability and performance.
The signing of Adeniji is seen as a strategic move by the Cowboys to bolster their offensive line, which gave up 52 sacks last season – the third-most in the NFL. With the retirement of Hall of Fame guard Zack Martin, the Cowboys have a significant void to fill on their line. Adeniji’s experience and versatility could prove valuable, but his history of injuries is a major concern.
The Cowboys have now signed three external free agents on the offensive line, including Adeniji, Saahdiq Charles, and Robert Jones. If they do not draft an offensive lineman with the 12th overall pick, these signings will likely form the core of their line going into the 2025 season. However, given the team’s struggles on the line last season and the uncertainty surrounding Adeniji’s health, this is a significant gamble.
The right guard position is still up for grabs, and Adeniji will likely compete with Charles, Jones, Brock Hoffman, and T.J. Bass for the starting role. Bass, in particular, has shown potential, having made 32 appearances with 5 starts and demonstrating the ability to play multiple positions on the line. Despite being undrafted after being a projected first-round pick, Bass has a strong college background, having started 34 straight games and earning first-team all-Pac-12 honors.
While it’s possible that Adeniji could defy expectations and become a great offensive lineman, his history of injuries makes it difficult to be optimistic. The Cowboys’ offensive line has a lot to fix, and the team’s signings this offseason may not necessarily address the underlying issues. With the loss of Zack Martin, the team may find themselves worse off than they were a year ago, especially if Adeniji’s injury concerns persist. Only time will tell if the Cowboys’ gamble pays off or if they will regret their decisions.
