The Dallas Cowboys have been linked to players such as running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Quentin Johnston, and tight end Michael Mayer to name a few on the first day of the NFL draft. 

With the NFL draft being just days away, league analyst Bucky Brooks has the Cowboys going a route that has produced major dividends for them over the last decade, and that's the offensive line. In the first round, he has Dallas taking Steve Avila out of TCU.

Investing high picks in the offensive line has paid off significantly for the Cowboys over the years. A Day 1 starter at guard, Avila has the quick feet and strong hands to thrive in a balanced offense.

Avila was as reliable in pass blocking at TCU as Michael Jordan was in the NBA Finals. He only allowed four sacks, four quarterback hits, 26 hurries, and 34 pressures in 1,170 pass-blocking reps for the Horned Frogs. 

The Dallas, Texas native was on another planet in this aspect last season as he didn't allow any sacks in 540 snaps and finished with a grade of 83.6 according to Pro Football Focus. Avila also gave up just two quarterback hits, nine hurries, and 11 pressures.

Although he'll be a guard in the NFL, Avila was as versatile of an offensive lineman in college as you'll see. He played 1,010 snaps at left guard (all in 2022), 1,076 at center, 96 at right guard, 113 at right tackle, and even played a snap at left tackle per PFF. 

Growing up in the Arlington area and attending South Grand Prairie High School before going to TCU in Fort Worth, Avila is very familiar with the Cowboys. Last month, he spoke on what it would mean to play in Dallas during his professional journey. 

"It would be honestly the best to stay home," Avila said. "I've been home my whole career. So, we'll see if we can keep that streak going."

Avila is one of the players that have a great chance to be drafted by the Cowboys on Thursday not just because of his skill set but the fact that he was a top-30 visit, which Dallas covets immensely.