The Dallas Cowboys got some backlash for picking him in the first round last year. However, Tyler Smith quickly showed he was worth the selection. 

Smith ended up starting all 17 games and established himself as the future at left tackle once Tyron Smith fades into the sunset. As good as he was, there were some growing pains for Smith. 

One of the biggest issues for Smith lingered from his collegiate days, penalties. Smith was called for 11 of them so that's something he'll need to tighten up. 

That was due in large part to Smith's inexperience on the pro level, but that won't be the case in 2023.

After getting that first year under my belt, I understand what the expectation is," Smith said, via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "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.-Gabriel Trevino, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Smith logged 623 pass-blocking snaps as a rookie. He gave up just 30 pressures, 11 hurries, and six sacks. That means he gave up a sack every 104 pass-blocking reps which could be better but it isn't too shabby for a rookie. 

In addition to Smith's 1,022 snaps at left tackle, he also registered 121 at left guard. So if Tyron Smith stays relatively healthy this year the Cowboys know that they can slide the youngster inside and they won't miss a beat. 

The Cowboys were extremely successful in 2022 with their second consecutive 12-win campaign. Unfortunately, Dallas had their season ended by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round, making it the 27th straight season they failed to reach the NFC Championship Game. 

That result has lit a fire in Smith.

Winning that Super Bowl," Smith said. "Obviously I want to go out there and play to the best of my abilities, I want to improve upon last season and I want to be a benefit to the team regardless where they put me, but winning that Super Bowl is the biggest thing. We came close last year and we lost, and that pain sticks with you. I know we have the team to go out there and win it all."

With a top-five defense and an offense loaded with weapons, the Cowboys have a shot to make a deep run this season, and possibly make Smith's goal a reality. 

Cowboys’ stars show they’re all in with recent decision

Greatness has a price and they’re will to pay it.

Feature image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports