Instant analysis: Cowboys draft Louisiana-Lafayette OT Nathan Thomas at 233 overall

The Dallas Cowboys are getting quite the offensive lineman in Nathan Thomas.

After adding a cornerback and wide receiver with their first duo of day three selections, the Dallas Cowboys stayed on the offensive side of the ball with their first of two seventh-round picks.

Dallas once again upgraded their offensive line, selecting Nathan Thomas out of Louisiana-Lafayette with the 233rd pick.

Thomas, who started 25 games at left tackle in his last two seasons earned an Honorable Mention to the All-SBC team in his senior year. Thomas has excellent lateral movement and performed well in Louisiana’s zone-heavy running scheme.

The 22-year-old is very powerful and uses every bit of his 6’5, 332-lb body to his advantage, especially in the run game.

Thomas’ 7.49 RAS score was 346th of 1377 OT prospects from 1987 to 2024.

Dane Brugler of The Athletic had Thomas ranked as his 16th-best offensive tackle in the draft. Here’s what Brugler had to say about the 22-year-old.

A two-year starter at Louisiana, Thomas lined up at left tackle in offensive coordinator Tim Leger’s zone-heavy run scheme. A blocking tight end in high school, he transitioned to offensive tackle for the Ragin’ Cajuns and started the past two seasons at left tackle, including a standout senior year that boosted his draft grade. Although his feet tend to get loud in pass protection, Thomas moves well laterally and has the body quickness to reach and cut off defenders.

Despite several undisciplined habits that need to be addressed, he strikes with a mauling attitude and appears to genuinely enjoy the physicality of the position. Overall, Thomas has sloppy tendencies and needs to stay off the ground, but he is a smooth mover with strong mitts that help him batter and sustain (when they are well placed). His raw power might be accentuated best at guard in the NFL.

Brugler’s last note about Thomas potentially playing guard at the next level may be of interest to the Cowboys. With his natural size and impressive athletic ability, Dallas may look to transition the lineman to guard instead of playing him at tackle.

It was clear the Cowboys came into this draft with a plan to upgrade their offensive line. Thomas is a good lottery ticket along the line that has some upside to turn into an eventual starter at either tackle or guard.