The Dallas Cowboys needed to address offensive line in the 2022 NFL Draft. Improving the trenches was a priority, especially with La'el Collins and Connor Williams on different rosters for next season.

Therefore, Dallas grabbed Tulsa offensive lineman Tyler Smith at No. 24 overall in April. Smith was regarded as a raw, developmental prospect with athleticism and toughness. The Cowboys are banking on the upside that the Tulsa product possesses.

Early in OTAs, there have been positive reports regarding Smith. The young lineman figures to be the starter at left guard in the fall, and the Cowboys are preparing him for that kind of responsibility.

Smith takes step forward in OTAs

In addition to his role at guard, Smith has seen reps at left tackle in practice. That makes sense, as Smith played tackle in college and current starting tackle Tyron Smith has a notable injury track record.

The first-year player has been practicing at different positions along the line of scrimmage with the first-team offense. The Cowboys rotated Smith at left tackle and left guard, a positive development for the first-rounder.

Welcome to the show, Tyler Smith.

Tyron Smith is back to practice this week. Even still, the Cowboys rotated their rookie OL into the starting lineup at left tackle today. They also played him at 2nd team LG, next to Tyron at LT.

— Dave Helman (@davehelman_) June 2, 2022

The expectation is that the younger Smith will be an immediate contributor next to the elder Smith on the offensive line with long-term plans of being the All-Pro's future replacement.

Parsons praises Smith

Furthermore, Tyler Smith has earned the respect of one of the best players on the Cowboys' roster. All-World phenom Micah Parsons believes that the rookie is "going to be a really good player."

Parsons spoke highly of what Smith has shown in practice since joining the team. The reviews are very encouraging.

"I think Tyler's going to be a really good player," Parsons said of the Cowboys' first-rounder. "I know, for some people, this probably wouldn't be what they expected, but man, we're all really excited about him.

"He's a strong kid. He gets his hands on you, I don't see too many people getting away. He's got the best of a lot of guys here in practice so far. (He's) really made a great impression."

Parsons made tons of blockers look silly last season, so the fact that he already sees good things in Smith is certainly worth nothing. The more that Smith gets to go against Parsons and company, the better for his development.

It's still extremely early in his career, but Tyler Smith is turning heads in the Dallas Cowboys organization.

Featured image via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports