Here's a scenario I'm positive won't happen tonight: the Cowboys taking Cesar Ruiz either at No. 17 or a trade back. They believe in Joe Looney, Connor McGovern, Connor Williams as the Travis Frederick replacements.
McGovern did not play as a rookie last year because of a torn pectoral muscle. They took him in the third round and he had a higher draft grade than their second rounder, Trysten Hill. He played center at Penn St. and Frederick’s future played a part in decision to draft him.
Looney started every game in 2018 when the Cowboys made the playoffs. Dak Prescott was sacked a ton that year, but pinning all or most of that on Looney is not right. He is a solid player who would start on a lot of teams in the league.
At some point the Cowboys have to win games without first rounders at almost every spot on the OL. It is possible. Ruiz might be a fine player, but the Cowboys don’t need to put another high-end asset into the line when factoring in who they have already and cap going forward