'Feels Like Larry Allen!' Stephen Jones Reveals Update on Cowboys' Tyler Smith Plan
The Dallas Cowboys have reached an inflection point at left tackle. Veteran Tyron Smith is headed for free agency, and while Dallas will have the opportunity to retain his talents, there’s no guarantee he’s manning the blind side for the Cowboys as he has for the past 13 years.
His potential departure opens the door for a replacement and left tackle – one that may already be in the building.
Left guard Tyler Smith had an excellent season on the interior, but boasting experience at tackle and promising traits has pushed him into the discussion to replace his veteran counterpart.
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At the NFL Scouting Combine, Dallas COO Stephen Jones spoke about how the front office is viewing the possibility of moving Smith back outside, where he spent his rookie season. In doing so, he offered up a lofty comparison.
“That remains to be seen. It’s starting to feel like Larry Allen all over again,” Jones said. “The great thing about Tyler is his versatility, he could be a great left tackle, too. At the end of the day when we’re through massaging it, we’ll have a good spot for him. His versatility certainly brings options as we look at this team moving forward.”
Allen, of course, is in the proverbial rafters, a member of the Cowboys Ring of Honor. He’s in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and one of the greatest offensive linemen in football history.
That’s high praise, and it’s justified given the start to Smith’s career. After ranking 23rd among qualified tackles as a rookie (by Pro Football Focus’ offense grade), Smith pivoted back inside and was ranked as the ninth-best guard in the sport. Setting Hall of Fame expectations for almost any player is ambitious but in terms of his ability to play two positions well, he’s off to a strong start.
However, moving back to left tackle may not be in Dallas’ best interest.
While he’s certainly capable of growth, Smith was far better as a pass protector while inside. Of course, you’re paying/playing left tackles for their ability to pass block. Meanwhile, at left guard, Smith was playing at an All-Pro level.
Traditional notions of positional value would encourage moving Smith to tackle, but the Cowboys may be better off doubling down on elite performance. Surely, Dallas has no regrets about keeping future Hall of Famer Zack Martin at right guard.
Smith may not be Allen. He may not be Martin! But he’s a legitimately good guard, and the safest bet for the Cowboys is finding a replacement tackle rather than banking on further development outside and acquiring a new left guard.
