Free gave the Cowboys a glimpse of his ability last season, when he turned in seven quality performances subbing for injured Marc Colombo until the veteran returned in time for the playoffs.
And who can forget Free sprinting the length of the field to deliver a final block on Felix Jones' 49-yard touchdown run in the Cowboys' 24-0 win over Philadelphia that clinched a playoff spot? Free, who's entering his fourth season, has had enough time observing.
Besides, what good is it to have the NFL's highest-paid offensive coordinator and the NFL's highest-paid offensive line coach if Jerry can't ask them to coach up a player every now and then? Hudson Houck, among the league's best line coaches, will make sure Free is ready.
The Cowboys also hold a trump card.
When Jerry gave guard Leonard Davis a massive seven-year, $49 million deal with a $18.5 million in guaranteed money in 2007, he did it because Davis can play left tackle.
He's the safety net.
If Free can't get the job done, the Cowboys can move Davis to left tackle. Understand, they don't want to do it because Davis is dominant guard and he'll never be more than a good tackle.
He played the position for from 2004-06 in Arizona, allowing 18 sacks. While he doesn't have the desired arm length to keep defensive ends at bay, Davis' sheer enormity makes it difficult to get around him, and when he does get his hands on a defensive end, it's over.
Don't just assume the Cowboys will take a tackle in the first round because Adams is gone.
The Cowboys remain flexible. They can remain true to their draft board, the key to selecting good players.
Maybe, they'll even take a tackle, but it still doesn't mean they won't miss Adams some time this season.