FRISCO (Texas) — 1982 to 2010 Dallas CowboysNever have they taken an offensive lineman in their first round. They selected their fourth offensive lineman of the first round, which was their fourth since 2011. Tyler SmithWith the 24th overall selection.
Cowboys can only aspire to see him succeed like Tyron Smith(2011), Travis Frederick (2013) Zack Martin(2014), who have been multiple-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl Selections in their respective careers.
Cowboys needed an offensive line to fill the need for right tackle in offseason. La'el CollinsWho joined the Cincinnati Bengals, and the losing of the left guard Connor WilliamsIn free agency to Miami Dolphins.
Mike McCarthy, Smith's coach, said Smith will be a left-sided player. He hopes that Smith can possibly start at left guard as an rookie and become Tyron Smith's successor at left tackle. Terence Steele taking over at right tackle.
Smith said, “I played tackle in college, but I'm open to playing wherever they put me.” Smith was hosting a draft party just a few miles away from The Star in Frisco Texas. “I'm going for the coaching, and I practice it all, so that I'm comfortable anywhere.”
Smith stated that his only contact with the Cowboys prior to the draft was a private session with Jeff Blasko, assistant offensive line coach. He believed he would draft in the top two rounds of the first round.
He said, “Man, it was shocking.” “Many of my coaches said there were a great opportunity (but) I can’t say that I actually spoke with the team that much during the process. But it felt like a shock to the system. I can't even lie. I feel more than fortunate to be here. It wouldn't be the same without me.”
Jerry Jones, owner and general manager of the Cowboys, said Smith was the 16th-rated Cowboys draft player. Jones also stated that any team who tried to trade with the Cowboys told Smith that Smith would have been their choice.
Jones stated Smith was rated higher than Kenyon Green and Zion Johnson, who were both linked to the Cowboys prior to the draft and entered the first round earlier.
Jones said, “We were lucky with the 24th selection to get the 16th person in the draft.”
Smith, who attended North Crowley High School in Fort Worth, is making it a homecoming.
He stated, “It's unimaginable being able finally to come home after all these years to be able for America to play for,” he said. It's a dream coming true. This team was my childhood idol.
He is also well-aware of the offensive line's successes. Tyron Smith has been a Pro Bowler eight times, while Martin has been selected seven more times in eight seasons. Frederick was selected to the Pro Bowl five more times before retiring following the 2019 season.
Tyler Smith stated, “At the end the day the work will speak for itself.” “Having these guys around me, learning from them and playing with those guys, will be huge for my player development. It has been a blessing for me.
Smith played in 23 of the 25 games at Tulsa. He was also a second-team selection for the All American Athletic Conference in 2022. Last season, penalty issues were a concern. He held 16 and could be replaced by Williams, who was the most penalized lineman in the NFL last year (15 total, 12 accepted).
McCarthy indicated that he has no concerns about the penalties.
“I am a very physical player and extremely athletically gifted. Smith stated that the effort is always there. Smith said, “The intensity and chip on my shoulder that I play with, it makes me the player that I am.” The intelligence that I have as a player is also important. I can move from D-line into O-line and keep my athleticism and physicality in control. I am constantly trying to improve the game.
