It's easy to see why Cowboys interior lineman Tyler Smith is the highest-paid guard in the NFL. He's a three-time Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro from 2023. Since being drafted in 2022 out of Tulsa, he has not disappointed.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote an article on ranking the best guards and centers in the league. NFL coaches, executives and scouts made the list. Smith was ranked No. 1 and was even compared to former Eagles left tackle Jason Peters. He was known to be one of the best offensive linemen over the last 20 years.
Here's what Fowler said once he got into the numbers:
"Smith is the league's highest-paid guard, and for good reason. The 2022 first-round pick has worked his way from offensive tackle prospect to elite guard with three consecutive Pro Bowls. His win rates of 72.1% in the running game and 95.2% in the passing game are quality but not elite numbers. But to watch him is to value him."
Tyler Smith is ranked the best interior lineman in the NFL
The Cowboys were recently ranked in the middle of the pack in OL groups, but Smith, as the best interior lineman in the game, gives the Cowboys a serious advantage. It's the reason Javonte Williams broke out last year with 1,201 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns.
Of course, Williams deserves his own flowers, but Williams having a left guard like Smith resurrected his career.
There's been talk about Smith possibly moving to tackle due to concerns about Tyler Guyton being a full-time left tackle, but he shouldn't move positions. He's already an elite NFL interior lineman, and he should stay there.
He could probably play the position just fine, but even Smith himself was adamant that he's a three-time Pro Bowler as a guard, not a tackle.
Other names on the list aren't surprising. Quenton Nelson and Creed Humphrey were No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Cowboys fans have known for years that Smith is one of the best in the business. Now, ESPN has Smith as the best. There's not really any doubt about Smith's game, but Fowler added that he could play under more control.
Last but not least, Dak Prescott should be blessed. He's got the best interior lineman in the second half of his career, and arguably, the best part of his career.
As quarterbacks age, they must find guys they can trust, and Smith being at the top of the list shows Prescott can sleep comfortably at night.
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