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Cowboys Reportedly Believe Former Penn State OT Can Develop Into a ‘Keeper’
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- Cowboys Reportedly Believe Former Penn State OT Can Develop Into a ‘Keeper’
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Penn State Nittany Lions had a few players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, with their earliest pick being the No. 14 overall selection in the first round by the Baltimore Ravens , Olaivavega Ioane, an offensive guard.
A good while later in the draft, nearly 100 picks after Ioane was selected, another Penn State offensive lineman was drafted into the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys selected Drew Shelton at No. 112 overall.
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While Ioane is a full-fledged starter right from the get-go, that isn't the case with Shelton. ESPN's Todd Archer said Shelton has work to do, but the Cowboys believe the former Penn State Nittany Lion could become a "keeper" for the team.
"Like most Day 3 rookies, he needs to add strength," Archer writes. "Shelton got bullied a few times in practice and games but can play either tackle spot. The Cowboys believe he can develop into a keeper."
Shelton is a 22-year-old offensive tackle drafted in the fourth round at No. 112 overall by the Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Cowboys have a shaky offensive tackle group, so there's a chance that Shelton is called upon earlier than expected in his NFL career with the Cowboys.
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But, ideally, it appears Dallas wants to develop Shelton, as the 6-foot-5, 313-pound lineman still needs to build up his strength to become an NFL-caliber offensive tackle.
There's potential here, and the Cowboys believe in said potential. It's just going to take some time, and Shelton might not see NFL action as a starting tackle at all in his rookie season.
Penn State fans hoping to see Shelton succeed in the NFL might have to wait a little while before he makes any real impact.
But if nothing else, this belief in Shelton from the Cowboys should show that the former Penn State offensive lineman is going to make the 53-man roster.
The only question might be whether he's active on game days or not for Dallas, and whether he is the first offensive tackle off the bench if needed as well.
