Cowboys OC Klayton Adams finally got his man at pick 112 in the fourth round with Penn State’s Drew Shelton. The team focused on the defense early in the draft. But landing this versatile tackle provides exactly the kind of protection boost the offense needs to stay balanced heading into the 2026 season.

Per Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News on X, 

"Drew Shelton said the Cowboys want him to play some right tackle in the pros. Shelton mainly played left tackle at Penn State." 

According to CBS Sports, Shelton was projected to be a No.171 overall prospect and ranked No. 17 at offensive tackle available. He was projected to be the 112th overall pick and ranked 15th in the overall tackle unit in the draft, as per The Athletic.

He ran a 5.16-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine and appeared in 48 games, starting 34 as a left tackle across four seasons at Penn State. He earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors consecutively in both 2024 and 2025. 

As the Cowboys are set to create competition among the tackles, with Nate Thomas and Tyler Guyton aiming for the left tackle spot in training camp, Tyler Smith is expected to move from left guard to left tackle, according to Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News.

Shelton is now a wild card in the right tackle battle. His natural athleticism is exactly what the Cowboys have been missing to help keep Dak Prescott upright.

Is Drew Shelton What the Cowboys Needed

Dallas has been desperate for a versatile lineman who can actually protect their franchise QB, and Shelton looks like the perfect fit. He brings smooth footwork and high-level pass-blocking to the table, making him a massive asset for both depth and the run game.

And according to Adam Schultz via Roundtable, the offensive coordinator, Klayton Adams, and OL coach Conor Riley view Shelton as an addition to depth in the offensive tackle position, and a prospective player for a starting role.

According to PFF, Shelton was viewed as a top prospect in case a team wants ‘a lineman who provides both positional versatility and security at left tackle.’

Despite not having much experience, Drew Shelton is expected to step in as a right tackle immediately, while also adding valuable depth to the Cowboys' offensive line.

Do you think Shelton has what it takes to be versatile?

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi