WhenZack Martin went down last season, the Cowboys knew replacing him wouldn’t be easy. A cornerstone of their offensive line for nearly a decade, Martin’s absence forced Dallas to look deep into its depth chart – and that’s where Brock Hoffman stepped in.
Hoffman, a former undrafted free agent, ended up starting seven games. He didn’t just hold his own – he showed enough grit and smarts to make the Cowboys coaching staff take notice.
Now with Brian Schottenheimer taking over as offensive coordinator, Hoffman may be more than just a placeholder. He might be the favorite to start at right guard in 2025 – and the coach’s recent comments added fuel to that possibility.
“If I was in a back room of a bar and had to get out,”Schottenheimer said,“the way [Hoffman’s] wired, he would be one of the first guys I want with me.”
The Cowboys are rebuilding their wall and Hoffman might be the brick that holds it together
It’s not just lip service, either. Hoffman’s versatility – being able to play both guard and center – gives him an edge. He was in the mix for the starting center job last preseason, and even had Dak Prescott pulling for him before Cooper Beebe secured the role, per ESPN’s Todd Archer.
That bar-fight quote isn’t just a funny line. It speaks to the kind of player Hoffman is: physical, intense, and unafraid to get his hands dirty. That’s the kind of mindset that can earn a permanent spot in the trenches – especially on a line that just lost its anchor.
Of course, he’s not the only one in the mix. T.J. Bass, another young lineman, showed flashes last year and will be pushing for snaps as well. But if early vibes from the coaching staff mean anything, Hoffman is in a strong position heading into training camp.
The Cowboys are still figuring out their “best five” on the offensive line, but don’t be surprised if Brock Hoffman punches his ticket into the starting lineup – no bar fight required.
Read the full article here
