Just How Good Is OG Smith?

[CCBoy]

Smith has established himself as a very good run blocker, ranking in the top 20 at his position in each of his first three seasons, though he has also developed nicely as a pass blocker. He has gradually increased his PFF pass-blocking grade each year since entering the NFL, culminating in a 76.0 mark in 2024 — a top-10 figure for the position.

He's so talented, he has a projected market value of a four-year, $76 million extension, according to Spotrac.

Still just 23, the former 2022 first-round pick looks like a long-term cornerstone on Dallas’ offensive line, a line that’s quietly been retooling for the next chapter after the Tyron Smith and Zack Martin era. If his current trajectory holds, Smith will go down as one of the best at his position, regardless of age.

https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/st...e-of-pffs-top-stars-under-age-25/83730892007/

 

[CCBoy]

Jones Reveals Cowboys ‘Running-Mate’ Roster Strategy​

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Anthony Goss | Last updated May 19, 2025 6:46 PM ET


FRISCO — The Dallas Cowboys had a moderately successful free agency period. While they did not overexert themselves in the spring they still managed position their roster to draft talent over fit in April.

They did just that when the draft rolled around though veering from what many expected to be a wide receiver pick in the first round. Instead, they started with an offensive lineman pick, getting Tyler Booker at No. 12 overall. But this was not the typical Cowboys' seeking out a lineman that fans have gotten accustomed to in recent years. This pick was done specifically to complement the talent, more specifically the star power on the roster.


"We got them all running mates," Stephen Jones said via the team’s website. "Tyler Smith was out there and I said 'We added Booker for you,' Micah Parsons was there and I said 'We brought Dono[van Ezeiruaku] for him,'everybody's got some running mates to go with them that they didn't have last year. It's exciting to see all these guys come together."

One could argue that same mindset applied outside the draft when they traded for George Pickens, a natural fit alongside CeeDee Lamb at receiver.


https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/arti...unning_mate_roster_strategy/s1_17615_42217534

 

[CCBoy]

Next will be a pair of running mates.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Tyler Smith is very good and is just a touch below Zack Martin in my book.

 

[gimmesix]

Smith has established himself as a very good run blocker, ranking in the top 20 at his position in each of his first three seasons, though he has also developed nicely as a pass blocker. He has gradually increased his PFF pass-blocking grade each year since entering the NFL, culminating in a 76.0 mark in 2024 — a top-10 figure for the position.

He's so talented, he has a projected market value of a four-year, $76 million extension, according to Spotrac.

Still just 23, the former 2022 first-round pick looks like a long-term cornerstone on Dallas’ offensive line, a line that’s quietly been retooling for the next chapter after the Tyron Smith and Zack Martin era. If his current trajectory holds, Smith will go down as one of the best at his position, regardless of age.

https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/st...e-of-pffs-top-stars-under-age-25/83730892007/

Smith has that combination of power and good feet/movement skills that make him tough to beat. I don't think he's as accurate on the move as we'd like him to be, but that is a quibble. He is a better guard than tackle, like Larry Allen was, because while he has good quickness, he's at his best when he can overpower his opponent. He can lean on his power too much, which is what got him in trouble at tackle against speedy ends who would try to get him to overcommit to power and go around him. Given time, he probably would have worked that out at tackle, but at guard, he simply gets to play to his strengths.

 

[gimmesix]

Tyler Smith is very good and is just a touch below Zack Martin in my book.

I think Zack at his best was better on the move. It wasn't that he was superior athletically, just that he understood his angles, where he needed to be and how to get there better. He had the power but his strength was his feet/ technique.

 

[CCBoy]

Smith has that combination of power and good feet/movement skills that make him tough to beat. I don't think he's as accurate on the move as we'd like him to be, but that is a quibble. He is a better guard than tackle, like Larry Allen was, because while he has good quickness, he's at his best when he can overpower his opponent. He can lean on his power too much, which is what got him in trouble at tackle against speedy ends who would try to get him to overcommit to power and go around him. Given time, he probably would have worked that out at tackle, but at guard, he simply gets to play to his strengths.

He grades out on run blocking over three seasons and now at pass blocking as well. I think he will improve every bit as much as did Larry Allen, now. He dominates and that was doubled up on for inside and outside running.

Running plays will start to highlight his very skills...his target hits won't decline. No Sir.

 

[Aerolithe_Lion]

Smith has established himself as a very good run blocker, ranking in the top 20 at his position in each of his first three seasons, though he has also developed nicely as a pass blocker. He has gradually increased his PFF pass-blocking grade each year since entering the NFL, culminating in a 76.0 mark in 2024 — a top-10 figure for the position.

He's so talented, he has a projected market value of a four-year, $76 million extension, according to Spotrac.

Still just 23, the former 2022 first-round pick looks like a long-term cornerstone on Dallas’ offensive line, a line that’s quietly been retooling for the next chapter after the Tyron Smith and Zack Martin era. If his current trajectory holds, Smith will go down as one of the best at his position, regardless of age.

https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/st...e-of-pffs-top-stars-under-age-25/83730892007/

There are currently 5 guards who make 20+, 4 of which signed before 2025. Would be pretty surprising if he settled for less than that

 

[CCBoy]

There are currently 5 guards who make 20+, 4 of which signed before 2025. Would be pretty surprising if he settled for less than that

That was a quoted figure. You think he's up to the very top slat yet?

 

[Aerolithe_Lion]

That was a quoted figure. You think he's up to the very top slat yet?

Timing and age have more to do with it than talent, just like QB contracts. Hes good enough to be up there and the other 20m$ contracts are old now.

When Landon Dickerson and his 0 All-Pros signed the highest Guard contract ever last year, it was 21m$ at 8.2% of the salary cap. 8.2% of the salary cap today is 23m$, what Trey Smith signed for in March.

As long as you’re considered a long term incumbent, Who’s newest is always going to set the new number. In 2024 even Robert Hunt signed for 20m$. Does anyone even know who that is?

 

[gimmesix]

He grades out on run blocking over three seasons and now at pass blocking as well. I think he will improve every bit as much as did Larry Allen, now. He dominates and that was doubled up on for inside and outside running.

Running plays will start to highlight his very skills...his target hits won't decline. No Sir.

He's not the freak that Allen was, but nobody is. Not sure he's the technician that Martin was. But I don't think he's far behind because of his power and range of movement. Powerful guards often have poor movement skills, so they are susceptible to speed, while quick-footed guards often lack power and get pushed back or knocked around by big, strong DTs. The best have both.

 

[conner01]

I think Zack at his best was better on the move. It wasn't that he was superior athletically, just that he understood his angles, where he needed to be and how to get there better. He had the power but his strength was his feet/ technique.

Zack is a HOF player. Smith is a very good guard. He’s about to get a huge payday. He’s not likely to ever be a real comparison to Zack but he’s very good

 

[silver]

I would love to move Smith to LT and then have Guyton and Steele fight it out for RT.

 

[Rockport]

There’s no one here that knows how good Smith is. We just speculate. I speculate he’s pretty good. Two Pro Bowl selections (2023, 2024) and a second-team All-Pro selection in 2023.

 

[CCBoy]

There’s no one here that knows how good Smith is. We just speculate. I speculate he’s pretty good. Two Pro Bowl selections (2023, 2024) and a second-team All-Pro selection in 2023.

Just as long as we get to see the competition between Mingo and Tolbert as well.

 

[StarOfGlory]

Smith is one of the top five guards in the league. He is strong at the point of attack, can drive his man off the spot and direct, and his footwork has improved his pass protection. I consider him one of the key players on this team and would not blink an eye if he receives $84 mill/4 years.

The only guards I definitely put over Smith are Lindstrom and Thuney. I consider Smith, Meinerz, Dickerson, Bitonio, and Nelson (if healthy) all around the same level.

 

[blueblood70]

Just as long as we get to see the competition between Mingo and Tolbert as well.

You want to leave that one alone ,there is no competition Tolbert is a lock, and Mingo is going to be fighting the likes of Holden, Paris, Flournoy , cropper, Brooks, and Others.

Tolbert has zero worries at this point.

Mingo has to beat that group after the locked top 4..Book it. Maybe he can eat himself into a tight end lmao

Jonathan Mingo, Jalen Brooks, Parris Campbell, Ryan Flournoy & Holden is the fight for the 2 bottom spots..

How deep does the wide receiver group go who will they keep how many do they keep usually at 6 correct I mean they could go 7 or they could go deeper at tight end or because of the ability of Sanders Williams and blue coming out of the backfield as really good receiving threats you never know those dudes better look out...

 

[CCBoy]

You want to leave that one alone ,there is no competition Tolbert is a lock, and Mingo is going to be fighting the likes of Holden, Paris, Flournoy , cropper, Brooks, and Others.

Tolbert has zero worries at this point.

Mingo has to beat that group after the locked top 4..Book it. Maybe he can eat himself into a tight end lmao

Jonathan Mingo, Jalen Brooks, Parris Campbell, Ryan Flournoy & Holden is the fight for the 2 bottom spots..

How deep does the wide receiver group go who will they keep how many do they keep usually at 6 correct I mean they could go 7 or they could go deeper at tight end or because of the ability of Sanders Williams and blue coming out of the backfield as really good receiving threats you never know those dudes better look out...

68 days until pads come out. No, they don't know where the running backs are going. Nor do they know where receivers develop to. The current team starts earning opportunities. No you don't know directions at this point. I'll shut up when speed is lowered or a move is made. Not until...that is your opinion.

Ever collect tokens in Vegas? How about Bibles? I don't have those problems. In Texas, the lottery is dishonest and corrupt. Care to argue the point?

 

[phildadon86]

Tyler Smith is very good and is just a touch below Zack Martin in my book.

Yet some here want to move him to tackle.

 

[blueblood70]

68 days until pads come out. No, they don't know where the running backs are going. Nor do they know where receivers develop to. The current team starts earning opportunities. No you don't know directions at this point. I'll shut up when speed is lowered or a move is made. Not until...that is your opinion.

nah that's a lock...platinum quad lock..