CFZ Why Tyler Smith should play LT all year

[Doomsday101]

As this year’s first round pick, Tyler Smith was drafted as “the replacement for Tyron Smith”. And although it would have been better to give him time to develop and adjust to the NFL game as a LG, circumstances as they are now make that plan mute.

He has had very little actual prep at LT this pre-season, so we should be prepared for some major growing pains, especially at first as he adjusts to the NFL speed and talent. The difference between playing at Tulsa and playing in the NFL is quite an adjustment. But he does have a lot of raw talent. Emphasis on raw.

But if Tyler Smith is the long term answer, we might as well get started finding out. If he isn’t the answer, this organization will have to move LT back to the top of team needs in the draft. The LT position is second only to QB in importance and not an easy one to find plug and play talent.

One other thought- playing Tyler at LT is probably what should be done for long term purposes. But in the short term, be prepared for a lesser level of team performance. It will be tougher to win the East and make the playoffs. Not impossible but much tougher.

Truthfully any player brought in to replace Tyron is a step down. I don't think it is that easy to replace a HOF type player. Having said that of course we don't want a turn style either. I still would like to see someone with vet experience and bring Tyler Smith along instead of a crash course.

 

[aikemirv]

I like Smith at G. I think our run game suffers with McG at G and Smith at T. I would rather keep Smith at G and bring someone in if we can upgrade the line as a whole that way.

 

[TexasBoys2288]

As this year’s first round pick, Tyler Smith was drafted as “the replacement for Tyron Smith”. And although it would have been better to give him time to develop and adjust to the NFL game as a LG, circumstances as they are now make that plan mute.

He has had very little actual prep at LT this pre-season, so we should be prepared for some major growing pains, especially at first as he adjusts to the NFL speed and talent. The difference between playing at Tulsa and playing in the NFL is quite an adjustment. But he does have a lot of raw talent. Emphasis on raw.

But if Tyler Smith is the long term answer, we might as well get started finding out. If he isn’t the answer, this organization will have to move LT back to the top of team needs in the draft. The LT position is second only to QB in importance and not an easy one to find plug and play talent.

One other thought- playing Tyler at LT is probably what should be done for long term purposes. But in the short term, be prepared for a lesser level of team performance. It will be tougher to win the East and make the playoffs. Not impossible but much tougher.

I absolutely agree with your assessment. Tyler was drafted to become Tyron's replacement, big shoes to fill, and I believe he will get the job done. The best ability is availability and Tyron has consistently failed the team in availability over the last five years or so. I'd much rather throw Tyler in there and let him learn on the job than to shuffle the line around, plugging pieces in here and there. Messing with the continuity of an offensive line is just a bad idea.

 

[blueblood70]

Maybe you are right.

For me this comes way to early for Smith. The guy looks so raw. All he does is using his phenomenal power. That made him look good against lesser oponents. But his feet and his upright stand wont do it longterm. He needs way more time to develop.

I also think Smith was drafted to be our future LT. Everything else (like using him as an guard) would make this pick a bust even if he goes to 6 Pro Bowls as a guard.
The guy was drafted with a top OC for us to have. And we have a big need there too. He is considered a project. For a first round pick that is a lot risk our FO again refused to aknowledge. After all those missed picks they still seem to be stubborn when it comes to learn how to draft.

HUH make zero sense if you get PB Guard where we picked himi n the first, thats A HIT not a bust.. none of anything you said made sense exception hes raw and possible a bit early throwing him in..

dont know how to draft LMAO we are TOP drafting team the last decade, thats a fact.. you cant fix every hole or hit on every pick right away. Takes time remember 2 years ago with had historically bad defense.. somehow our horrible drafting and bargain bin FA shopping and only pick yes men coaching has COMPLETELY turned that around.

we were rebuilding defense not making poor LT decisions. we also drafted many OL to fill many holes. It takes time you address what you can each season and move forward. THE Need is upon us to fill the LT and Swing tackle and well now we have to address it but there are guys who maybe not ready but were brought into make an attempt at this is TS73, Ball and Wally.