Cowboys' second-year player expected to have breakout 2023 season
The football world was a bit perplexed when the Dallas Cowboys drafted offensive lineman Tyler Smith in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Smith was looked at as possibly the new left guard for the Cowboys. However, with the injury history of Tyron Smith, and him being sidelined until last December, the rookie […]
The football world was a bit perplexed when the Dallas Cowboys drafted offensive lineman Tyler Smith in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Smith was looked at as possibly the new left guard for the Cowboys. However, with the injury history of Tyron Smith, and him being sidelined until last December, the rookie was the top guy at left tackle.
Of course, Smith had some growing pains, but by season's end, it was clear that the Cowboys' front office had done it again when it comes to drafting quality players. As good as he was, he's expected to have a breakout second year.
"Billed as a raw athlete following his selection as the No. 24 overall pick last year, Smith exceeded expectations by displaying versatility and positional flexibility as a rookie. Smith's ability to seamlessly flip-flop between guard and tackle helps Mike McCarthy put his best five blockers on the field. In addition, Smith's impressive work on the edges gives the Cowboys an insurance policy to protect against another Tyron Smith injury at left tackle. The younger Smith could really see his star rise with continued technical refinement in 2023."-Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
One of the knocks on Smith coming out of college was that he committed too many penalties. He was called for 13 last season so that's certainly something he'll be looking to fine-tune which speaks to the progression in technique that Brooks mentioned. Also, the six sacks he gave up weren't exactly ideal.
Despite this, any edge rusher that went against Smith last season probably had a pretty stressful day, although he was inexperienced. Smith only allowed 39 pressures, 22 hurries, and 11 hits on the quarterback in 623 pass-blocking snaps as a rookie. That's the type of protection a left tackle is supposed to provide on a quarterback's blind side, which Dak Prescott surely appreciates.
Smith is a mauler who dominates opponents when he's engaged and plays through the whistle. Once a few kinks get worked out, he's on his way to a being Pro Bowl/All-Pro caliber lineman.
