Breaking down Tyler Smith and his fit with the Dallas Cowboys
Seeing players like Kenyon Green and Zion Johnson go a few picks prior to the Dallas Cowboys' selection created frustration among fans. There was a growing concern that there was no way to fill the need on the offensive line. The Cowboys took Tulsa guard Tyler Smith 24th overall, followed by much chagrin. At the […]
Seeing players like Kenyon Green and Zion Johnson go a few picks prior to the Dallas Cowboys' selection created frustration among fans. There was a growing concern that there was no way to fill the need on the offensive line.
The Cowboys took Tulsa guard Tyler Smith 24th overall, followed by much chagrin. At the NFL Draft, fans got their wish to fill the need, but reacted with negative responses.
The looks of disbelief. Followed up with responses like "Is he any good?" "Who the f— is this guy?" "I can't believe they reached on that pick!" were frequent among many.
It isn't too much of a surprise that Smith is now a Cowboy. An early morning draft report indicated that Smith was a new name attached to Dallas, just in time to ruin the surprise.
Now that Tyler Smith is here, let's look at him analytically. The concerns are understandable when you watch his film.
Breaking down Tyler Smith
He displays stiffness in his body in pass protection, not showing the consistent power he does in the run game. Allowing defenders to get lower than him when locked against defenders. He won't get pushed back, but loses leverage far too often.
To make matters worse, if the Dallas Cowboys were frustrated about Connor Williams' penalty issues, bad news.
The good news is if Tyler Smith does anything for Dallas it's run blocking. He displays power and plenty attitude at the point of attack.
He does so by latching onto defenders and controlling them from contact, many times finishing into the dirt.
As far as players go, Tyler Smith isn't a bad prospect, it's just that's it. He's not great, he's not bad, he's more of a fit and a need. He's a prospect, and raw at that. The Dallas Cowboys need a Day One starter on the offensive line and Smith is more of a developmental player with potential upside in a year or two.
It feels like a reach. Given how talented this team is, and ready to win now, therein lies the frustration. Smith could turn into a viable starting player on the offensive line, but does he help them win now?
Players like Nakobe Dean, Devin Lloyd and Jermaine Johnson were all still available to be picked. None fix the hole at left guard, but are all immediate impact players on defense. Players who make the team better this season.
This has been a frustrating off-season for the Dallas Cowboys and this selection only gave off more of the same feelings: confusion, frustration, the belief of being lead astray.
Tyler Smith may turn out to be like Travis Frederick. A player seen as a reach who turned into something special.
He could also turn out to be like Taco Charlton. A player seen as a reach who drafted for need and not really the best player available.
Smith's only just become part of the Dallas Cowboys. And it's off to a rough start.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA Today Sports
