Dallas Cowboys' first-round selection features "rare" ability
The Dallas Cowboys surprised many with its first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Dallas grabbed Tulsa offensive lineman Tyler Smith at No. 24 overall. The team passed on the likes of FSU edge Jermaine Johnson, Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum, and Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean in the process. There are pros and cons with the […]
The Dallas Cowboys surprised many with its first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Dallas grabbed Tulsa offensive lineman Tyler Smith at No. 24 overall. The team passed on the likes of FSU edge Jermaine Johnson, Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum, and Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean in the process.
There are pros and cons with the selection. On one hand, Smith addresses a need and is an athletic offensive line prospect. On the other, Smith is a raw prospect that has ways to go in his development.
It will be fascinating to see whether or not the Cowboys prove to be right by choosing Smith over other notable players.
Cowboys' first-rounder possesses "rare" ability
Smith, on paper, seems to be an unconventional pick. He was not seen by the bulk of draft media as a round-one prospect. However, multiple teams were interested in the Tulsa lineman in the first-round.
Yet, the pick provides some excitement. Smith is a very athletic prospect coming out of college. He tested very well at the NFL Combine in March, which points to some intriguing upside.
Furthermore, Smith plays a nasty style of football. He is a tough, physical player that asserts his dominance on his opponents throughout four quarters. That brand of football led to Pro Football Focus draft analyst Mike Renner calling Smith's game as "rare".
Additionally, Smith is just 21-years-old and dominated competition for three seasons. He was a three-time all-conference performer at left tackle. The Cowboys' first-rounder was also a dominant run blocker while at Tulsa.
Tyler Smith became a force in run blocking on the collegiate level. That bodes well for the Cowboys, as the team struggled to run the ball consistently last season. Smith should help in that regard from the jump.
Dallas is banking on the traits in the Smith selection. The Cowboys have had great success taking linemen in the first-round. Tyler Smith features intriguing traits that point to potentially developing into a physical force in the NFL.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA Today Sports
