Where would we be if we didn’t draft Tyler?

[Oz-of-Cowboy-Country]

We'd have a problem. Some of our fans seem to think Tyler Smith played guard in college, and can't wait move him back there even though he has never been there.

He's a left tackle. That's what he played in college. Moving him to guard was a camp experiment that ended when Tyron got hurt (again). Good thing we drafted him.

Some want his strength and power up the middle instead of on the edge. Rather see him bulldozing guys instead of chasing them around. Especially in short yardage. So I understand the thought.

 

[Ranched]

The kid had 16 penalties in his last year in college & brought that havoc with him last season to Dallas. Through four games, though, Tyler looks like a natural. He has been a big part of their success in the run game, particularly in wins over the Cincinnati & NY, when the Cowboys were often left-handed w/their rushing attack. In pass protection he's only allowed one sack in 255 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.

Washington gave Smith & the Cowboys' offensive line some trouble. The offense averaged only 2.1 yards per carry & Smith has been called for three penalties in four starts. (so stop blaming McCarthy) But overall he has shown a blend of power & agility in space that's really impressive for a 21-year-old player.

 

[Scotman]

I think your memory is failing you somewhat. From my memory it was Erik Williams' car accident that forced Allen to have to move to RIGHT tackle. I just looked it up.. Tuinei started 15 games in 1994. Larry started 10.. at right tackle.. Now Tooey did miss one game so maybe that's the one game you're remembering where Larry had to play LT? But getting back to Tyler Smith.. I admit I didn't know much about him leading up to the draft but when he popped as a possibility for the Cowboys I did some digging.. and MY GOODNESS!! That dude is a ridiculous athlete for his size.. and his strength has always been legendary.. And clearly it was more than legend because it has manifest itself against grown men already. It's one of the reasons I liked him better at guard than tackle.. the ability to use that power inside is something we've been missing since Ron Leary left town. I loved the pick and he has not disappointed. People made way too much of the fact that the Cowboys didn't just hand him the starting LG spot over McGovern. I like that they made him earn it.. Competition is a good thing.. I wasn't concerned that he didn't win the job right off the bat .. I mean until they started hitting there was no way for him to step in front of McGovern.. but we all pretty much knew that once they starting big body bangin (nod to Nate Newton) he was going to be better than McGovern.

Yep, I was referring to LA's first start. But, yeah, either way, I agree with everything you said.

 

[john van brocklin]

Thru criticized them for taking him, but what if we took a d t? What if we took a w r? We’d be in trouble. Who’s play l t without Tyron?

Was wrong about how good this guy would be.
I wanted him to start at LG for a season or two, to gain experience.
Boy was I wrong!
Glad to be however...

 

[Jimbo123]

3-1

 

[3rdEyewarrior]

We'd have a problem. Some of our fans seem to think Tyler Smith played guard in college, and can't wait move him back there even though he has never been there.

He's a left tackle. That's what he played in college. Moving him to guard was a camp experiment that ended when Tyron got hurt (again). Good thing we drafted him.

Zack Martin was a tackle in college too……., they lol at his skill set and knew he could be a dominant guard just like Tyler.

 

[BourbonBalz]

Up the excrement waterway without a water moving device.

 

[JoeKing]

We draft for the best talent available at the greatest need positions. So a high-value O-line would have been drafted even if it wasn't Tyler Smith.

 

[Scottishcowboy]

I was a bit meh on draft day but he's looked pretty good thus far.

Also nice to see the Giants pick at the top of the draft look decidedly iffy.....early days of course.

If we have found a long term replacement at LT for our previous long term LT, then we have to be delighted.

 

[ColeBeasley11]

It was a risky pick you only make if you know your GM won’t get fired lol. I love our team right now we just need to get Dak playing like we know he can. That has be concerning.

 

[Bullflop]

Without Tyler Smith, we'd be booed, screwed and tattooed . . .

 

[xwalker]

You're absolutely right.

I hesitate to mention what it reminds me of. Keep in mind, I'm talking as about the situation and not necessarily the player...although there are some early comparisons. In 94 Mark Tuinei hurt his back (if I remember correctly). It was still a young season. We had drafted Larry Allen in the second round that year, but he was supposed to be a project. Small school guy. Allen steps in and holds down LT for the game. Obviously, no one expected Larry Allen to be a true hall of famer or he would have been at the top of the draft. He ended up one of the best o-linemen to ever play the game.

Tyler Smith wasn't supposed to be ready. Poor technique. Played reckless. Penalty magnet. Still, to continue the too early comparison, he's physically dominant. He's angry on the field. He's been better than anyone thought he would be at this point in his career. He was pressed into service too early because of an injury.

I wasn't excited about the pick. But it looks like he's saved our season. I'm starting to wonder exactly where this guy's ceiling is.

I think your memory is failing you somewhat. From my memory it was Erik Williams' car accident that forced Allen to have to move to RIGHT tackle. I just looked it up.. Tuinei started 15 games in 1994. Larry started 10.. at right tackle.. Now Tooey did miss one game so maybe that's the one game you're remembering where Larry had to play LT? But getting back to Tyler Smith.. I admit I didn't know much about him leading up to the draft but when he popped as a possibility for the Cowboys I did some digging.. and MY GOODNESS!! That dude is a ridiculous athlete for his size.. and his strength has always been legendary.. And clearly it was more than legend because it has manifest itself against grown men already. It's one of the reasons I liked him better at guard than tackle.. the ability to use that power inside is something we've been missing since Ron Leary left town. I loved the pick and he has not disappointed. People made way too much of the fact that the Cowboys didn't just hand him the starting LG spot over McGovern. I like that they made him earn it.. Competition is a good thing.. I wasn't concerned that he didn't win the job right off the bat .. I mean until they started hitting there was no way for him to step in front of McGovern.. but we all pretty much knew that once they starting big body bangin (nod to Nate Newton) he was going to be better than McGovern.

LA and Erik Williams both started game 5 with Tuinei out for that game.

LA then started at RT in game 8 which was the game after Erik Williams had the car accident.

LA had an injury issue going into the NFC championship game and struggled.

Tyler has played better than LA did as a rookie.

 

[xwalker]

It was a risky pick you only make if you know your GM won’t get fired lol. I love our team right now we just need to get Dak playing like we know he can. That has be concerning.

It wasn't that big of a risk...
https://cowboyszone.com/threads/tyler-smith-physically-similar-to-larry-allen.495888/

 

[Irv88]

We did. We are excellent at drafting oline. Big cat, Larry allen, and lately, Tyrone smith, Frederick, Martin and now Tyler smith.

We are the best in the nfl at this and we set the bar high. No worries.