Cowboys hoping Matt Farniok can play the Joe Looney role in 2021

Former Nebraska offensive lineman Matt Farniok was the last player selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2021 NFL Draft. As a seventh-round pick (238th overall) Farniok is a long shot to make the final 53-man roster, however, with the Cowboys need for more interior offensive line help he has a chance to prove himself worthy of a roster spot.

The way the Cowboys roster is constructed right now, Matt Farniok has as good a shot as just about anybody to carve out a backup role for himself behind Dallas’ projected starting five. In fact, his position flex could make him a favorite to take over Joe Looney’s old role as the swing OG/C this season as a rookie.

For the last five years Joe Looney was an invaluable piece for the Cowboys offensive line. Although he was primarily a reserve/backup offensive lineman, he did end up starting a total of 32 games for the Cowboys at both guard and center. It’s that role Matt Farniok should have his eyes set on this year as a rookie.

Believe it or not, the former Cornhusker offensive lineman has some intriguing position flex as well. During his time at Nebraska he started a total of 36 games; 26 at right tackle, nine at right guard, and one at center. Where he fits best in the NFL remains unknown at this point, however, that kind of position flex would make him an ideal backup.

As things stand right now there doesn’t seem to be a clear favorite as to who will replace Joe Looney this year. Connor McGovern could possibly slide into that role, but even he is still a little bit of an unknown. That leaves the door open for someone like Matt Farniok to step in and claim the vacancy.

Although the Dallas Cowboys probably have bigger concerns than finding someone to step into Joe Looney’s old role as the backup OG/C, it shouldn’t be overlooked either. Tyler Biadasz, the projected starting center, is still a bit of an unknown as a full-time starter and finding an adequate backup in case of an emergency would be wise on Dallas’ part.

It remains to be seen if Matt Farniok is the man for the job or not, but he’s at least in the mix. As a late seventh-round draft pick this year he remains a long shot to even make the team, but sometimes all it takes is the opportunity to prove yourself. Maybe, just maybe, he can seize that opportunity.