When the Dallas Cowboys drafted Tyler Smith with their first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, they did it with two things in mind: 1) Cover the loss Connor Williams at LG, in the present 2) Cover the loss of Tyron Smith at LT, in the near future.
Former Dallas Cowboys writer and scout Bryan Broaddus mentioned a third option on his Love of the Star podcast and the Dallas Cowboys would be smart to listen.
Right tackle needs to be an option for Tyler Smith this year on the Dallas Cowboys.
Things are far from clear cut on the Cowboys offensive line. Besides Zack Martin at RG, we’re not sure what we’re going to get down the line. Tyron Smith is a constant health risk, Tyler Biadasz is battling for his post, Terence Steele is questionable entirely, and LG is an open competition.
Bryan Broaddus expanded on the situation at RT,
"“I don’t feel great about right tackle,” said Broaddus. “I watched Terence Steele get walked. Tyler Smith is so much stronger than Terence Steele right now. More athletic and stronger. People have figured out how to play Terence Steele. You lower your head and hit him with the bullrush.”"
In minicamps and OTAs the Dallas Cowboys have experimented across the line. The veteran Connor McGovern has started at LG while Tyler Smith has worked in a variety of situations. It’s customary to give veterans reps before rookies so we probably shouldn’t read into the hierarchy too much, but it makes you think that if Smith is already a superior talent at tackle, shouldn’t he be able to challenge Terence Steele for the job?
When the Dallas Cowboys first drafted Tyron Smith over a decade ago, they did so with LT as his final destination (much like Tyler Smith). But they started him as a rookie at RT because they knew the transition from RT to LT was a somewhat natural one. It’s not absurd to make that same connection here with Smith, like Broaddus just did – especially since the RT position is far from established.
If Steele looks solid at RT and Tyler Smith is the clear top dog at LG, then by all means, stick to the initial plan and profit. But if Steele hasn’t taken that next necessary step in his development and Connor McGovern looks viable at LG, then get your five best players on the field and let Smith compete at RT.
Another factor to consider is the inevitable injury to Tyron Smith at LT. It’s not a question of “if” but “when” and “for how long.” If Matt Waletzko and Josh Ball don’t look like they can start multiple games at LT in relief, Smith is the back-up plan. Broaddus pointed out moving Smith to the LT position from the RT is much easier than moving him from the LG position.
"“If you tell me they’re going to let Terence Steele go without a fight over there – and I get it with Waletzko and Ball and all that. But if you’re just going to let it go without a fight over there. If Tyler Smith is not playing left guard now I’m really questioning what’s going on.”"
The Dallas Cowboys saw success with Terence Steele last season. They were 6-1 with him starting on the right side so we know team success can be found even if he struggles individually. He took enormous steps in Year 2, so if he continues that upward trend, the Dallas Cowboys could have a building block for the future. But he can’t plateau because that’s simply not good enough.
Tyler Smith has his own challenges to overcome. Like I said at the start, this isn’t clear-cut. Smith was undeveloped and sloppy as a LT at Tulsa. Throwing him to the wolves at tackle is suboptimal if better options exist.
Hopefully Steele and one of the swing tackles can be better options this year and we don’t have to worry about it. Then we can roll with Tyler at LG and transition him to LT when Tyron hangs up the cleats.
But that’s a big “if” and there’s a good chance Tyler Smith will be better at tackle than any of the three (Steele, Ball, Waletzko) other options on Day 1. If McGovern can adequately play LG, then shouldn’t Smith be moved out to the more important tackle position?
"“If he’s not playing on the left side, let him compete at right tackle.”"
The Dallas Cowboys would be wise to keep open minds and that means keeping their options open. The offensive line is responsible for protecting the team’s biggest investment (Dak Prescott) so how they handle this in 2022 is critical.
This is about every player on the offensive line. From Connor McGovern, to Terence Steele, to the swing tackles, to the rookie himself.