The Dallas Cowboys lost it for a bit, but they're trying to regain the reputation as one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.

That was on full display when they used their 2022 first-round pick on Tyler Smith out of Tulsa, a pick many rolled their eyes at. However, Smith ended up logging over 1,100 snaps and looked every bit like he was worthy of being a Day 1 selection.

Smith had some growing pains, understandable ones, but Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports believes a foundation was laid for stardom to follow, and quickly. 

Smith was thrust into action on the Cowboys' offensive line last season, thanks to an injury that kept Tyron Smith out for the first 13 games of the season. He started every game for the Cowboys in his rookie season, playing 1,022 snaps at left tackle and 121 snaps at guard — becoming a valuable piece toward Dallas winning 12 games last year. 

While Smith allowed seven sacks and 35 pressures with a beat rate of 4.6%, he gained valuable experience and is expected to be a fixture on Dallas' line. If Smith is the left guard in 2023 (with Tyron Smith healthy), the pair could be a lethal force for Dallas going forward. –Jeff Kerr, CBS Sports 

Smith was the perfect insurance policy not just to groom him for the future at left tackle in Dallas, but it was inevitable that Tyron Smith would miss time so the youngster was going to have to catch on fast, and he did. 

Over 17 games, Smith got valuable experience at multiple positions. This speaks to Kerr's point about Smith playing guard in 2023. The Cowboys have already experimented with it during minicamp so they won't get blindsided if an adjustment needs to be made at any point. 

"After getting that first year under my belt, I understand what the expectation is,” Smith said last month about being better prepared going into this season. “I’ve gone through camp, OTAs, I’ve been through the season before. Being comfortable and acclimated to what I need to do has helped me a lot — in terms of being confident and who I am. That first year was kind of nervous. Everything was new. Going to a new locker room and some of the guys are like 30, 34. I was used to being in a locker room with 18-23-year-olds. Getting acclimated with the guys helped me a lot.”

Year 2 is shaping up to be a great one for Smith.

Cowboys recent draft pick is taking advice from veteran player to heart

He’s the perfect person to listen to.

Feature image via Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports