NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys Select Tyron Smith Successor in Oklahoma's Tyler Guyton
While most of the headlines this offseason have been dominated by the contract situation of Dak Prescott (rightly so), one storyline that has perhaps not gotten as much air time is the status of veteran left tackle Tyron Smith.
The ageless wonder again showed in 2023 that he could still play at an All-Pro level and protected Prescott's blindside superbly well as per PFF, he only allowed one sack this past season.
But with constant injury concerns and the introduction of "Tyron Wednesdays," the Cowboys shouldn't feel confident that they can or should rely on the aging veteran again in 2024.
While his play when healthy is among the best in football, when out of the team, the offensive line looks shaky. Eventually, most of us knew that this time would come and that Smith would ride off into the sunset after a glorious career. While it might not be this offseason, CBS Sports sees Dallas taking his replacement, Oklahoma's Tyler Guyton in the upcoming draft.
"The Cowboys are unclear on what Tyron Smith's future is in Dallas as the 33-year-old is set to enter free agency in March," CBS Sports writes. "They could use a long-term answer at that spot with a number of other contracts needing to be addressed soon. Guyton (6-7, 328 pounds) is the anchor they need at left tackle, especially if the long-term plan is to keep Pro Bowler Tyler Smith at left guard."
Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas Jayhawks during the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
© Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
While Guyton has played primarily right tackle, he has all the tools to make the most of left tackle. Having allowed zero sacks or quarterback hits in 2023, Guyton looms as the stable anchor for the foreseeable future.
Much more adept as a pass protector than a run blocker, Guyton's size, coupled with his quick feet make him a more than suitable option to protect Dak's blindside. While run blocking isn't a strength, Guyton still possesses the quickness to burst off the line and open up running lanes, something that was absent from the Cowboys line last season.
Pairing Guyton with Tyler Smith could give Dallas some much-needed continuity and solidarity on the left side of the offensive line as the pair would be set for the next decade.
While much of this is predicated on Tyron not being there in 2024 (he still has a desired to play), even if he is back at The Star next season, what better player for Guyton to learn from then one of the best to ever do it?
The succession plan would be firmly in place.
