National NFL writer for CBS Sports, Patrik Walker recently laid out a key homegrown talent for every NFC East team. For the Dallas Cowboys it was former Texas Longhorn Connor Williams. Until the ACL tear, Williams was the starting left guard in between Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick. With Frederick now retired and Williams coming off the injury, there are two spots up for grabs under first-year head coach Mike McCarthy.
The former second-round pick finds himself entering Year 3 with arguably more questions surrounding him than ever before. His rookie season was one that showed promise but also inconsistency that led to the former Longhorn packing on muscle and building strength for Year 2, where he began to show what he’s capable of before battling two separate knee ailments — one requiring arthroscopic surgery (the second of as many seasons) before returning and tearing his ACL that landed him on injured reserve.
He’ll enter 2020 looking to not only bounce back from the latter, but it’ll also be the second season of his young NFL career wherein he won’t have the tutelage of perennial All-Pro center Travis Frederick to the right of him, by virtue of Frederick retiring this offseason. So as he battles second-year talent Connor McGovern — who returns from a redshirt rookie season and will also be test driven at center — at an all-important position, the name of the game for the born-and-bred Texan will be to take the next step in his promising career and to remain healthy while doing it. – Walker on Williams being a key for the Cowboys
Williams will find himself in a position battle when training camp opens up in Frisco, Texas. It will be key for him to take a hold of the left guard spot where he has spent his entire NFL career, so the team can focus on just who will man the all-important center position for the Cowboys in 2020 and beyond.