Cowboys' first-round pick reveals 'shocking' draft process leading up to selection
There was plenty of premium talent on the board when the Cowboys were on the clock with the 24th overall pick. Linebackers Devin Lloyd and Nakobe Dean were there for the taking as well as edge rusher Jermaine Johnson. Dallas flipped the North Texas area upside down when they selected offensive linemen Tyler Smith out […]
There was plenty of premium talent on the board when the Cowboys were on the clock with the 24th overall pick. Linebackers Devin Lloyd and Nakobe Dean were there for the taking as well as edge rusher Jermaine Johnson.
Dallas flipped the North Texas area upside down when they selected offensive linemen Tyler Smith out of Tulsa. Smith, a native of Fort Worth, Texas which is just down the road from AT&T Stadium, couldn't believe that his NFL destiny led him to play for the team that spent many hours on his television screen as a kid.
"It's indescribable being able to finally come home after all this time to be able to play for America's Team," Smith said. "It's a dream come true. I grew up watching this team."
The Cowboys and Smith had very little communication leading up his selection at 24th overall
It's no secret that the Cowboys like to draft players that were a part of their 30 visits. However, there wasn't any communication between Smith and the Cowboys before the draft besides a private workout session. When Smith got the call, he was surprised that he was getting a star out on his helmet.
"Man, I was shocked," said Smith. "A lot of my coaches said there was a great chance (but) I can't say I even dialogued with the team that much throughout the process, but like it was a shock to me. I can't even lie. I'm more than blessed to be here. I wouldn't have it any other way."
Smith played tackle at Tulsa and was a multiple-time AAC (American Athletic Conference) All-American. On the pro level, Smith will transition to the guard, specifically left guard for the Cowboys which was a position that struggled with Connor Williams in 2021.
The Cowboys' first-round pick isn't worried about the adjustment of sliding inside. At his draft party in Frisco, Texas which wasn't far from the Cowboys' practice facility, Smith spoke about his willingness to line up wherever he is needed.
"I played tackle in college but I'm willing to play wherever they put me," said Smith. "I'm going to take the coaching and I practice it all, so I'm comfortable wherever."
Smith has one thing working in his favor as he enters his first season with the Cowboys. He will have the opportunity to work with guys like left tackle Tyron Smith and right guard Zack Martin who are two of the best in the league at their respective positions and future Hall of Famers.
The guidance Smith and Martin will need to click quickly, and the rookie is ready to take it all in and prove he was the right selection for the Cowboys.
"At the end of the day, the work is going to speak for itself," Smith said. "Having these guys around me, being able to learn from those guys and play with those guys, that's going to be huge for my development as a player. I feel like it's nothing but a blessing in terms of what I can be."
The spotlight is on Tyler Smith now and it's a huge one as it always is for any first-round pick. It will be intriguing now to see if his desire to learn and his talent can manifest themselves into Smith being a quality NFL offensive lineman.
Feature image via Kirby Lee-USA Today Sports
