Cowboys' trio of Pro Bowlers see standout potential in rookie
The Cowboys need high draft picks to perform early due to their lack of activity in free agency. In 2022, one of the biggest spotlights will be on first-round pick Tyler Smith, who will take over starting duties at left guard while also getting work at left tackle because of the injury history of Tyron […]
The Cowboys need high draft picks to perform early due to their lack of activity in free agency. In 2022, one of the biggest spotlights will be on first-round pick Tyler Smith, who will take over starting duties at left guard while also getting work at left tackle because of the injury history of Tyron Smith.
Smith hasn't wasted time making an impression. All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons sang his praises on Thursday by saying the rookie is going to flourish at the next level.
Parsons isn't the only one that's been impressed with Smith. Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy said he looked natural at the guard spot. Quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and right guard Zack Martin gave Smith huge kudos by mentioning that his strength was on the level of Ronald Leary, the Cowboys starting left guard for four seasons (2013-2016).
Leary never made a Pro Bowl or garnered an All-Pro selection, but he was consistently one of the better left guards during his time with the Cowboys. He helped paved the way for DeMarco Murray to set the Cowboys' single-season rushing record with 1,845 yards in 2014 and assisted in Elliott winning the rushing title in 2016 as a rookie (Cowboys made the playoffs in both seasons).
If Smith can come in and have a similar impact as Leary in year one, not only will the one-two punch of Elliott and Tony Pollard have a better chance at being productive but he will help strengthen the middle of the Cowboys' offensive line which will allow Prescott to make plays in the passing game from the pocket.
Smith will need to clean up his penalty issues as well as his hand technique to ultimately reach his ceiling. He was once maligned when his draft card was turned in. However, the early signs are that Smith has what it takes to be a quality NFL starter.
Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
