The Dallas Cowboys were able to make several additions to their roster via the NFL Draft, putting multiple players on notice. One of those names is left tackle Tyler Guyton, and that's because the Cowboys nabbed tackle Drew Shelton of Penn State in the 4th round.
Although he's a mid-round pick, he's someone fans should keep an eye on this offseason. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler revealed that the team is very high on the Penn State product.
"Some inside Dallas' building were stumping hard for fourth-round offensive lineman Drew Shelton -- as early as Day 2. The coaching staff is high on Shelton's ceiling. "Only so few humans can play tackle in the NFL, and he's one of them," a team source said. "Super athletic.""ESPN's Jeremy Fowler
And since Guyton's first two years in Dallas have been underwhelming, he can't afford to have a slow offseason if he wants to keep his job.
Tyler Guyton Needs to Put Best Foot Forward with Cowboys in Offseason
As a rookie in 2024, Guyton missed time due to a high-ankle sprain. But even when on the field, he had his problems. Guyton allowed 26 pressures, six sacks, and committed 18 penalties. On Pro Football Focus, he finished with an overall grade of 49.4 (74th among 81 graded tackles), a pass-blocking grade of 60.2 (61st among 81 graded tackles), and a run-blocking grade of 51.3 (72nd among 81 graded tackles).
And things didn't improve in 2025. He suffered a bone fracture in his knee that caused him to miss training camp. He returned in time for the start of the season before dealing with a concussion and another high-ankle sprain that ended his campaign. Guyton allowed 31 pressures, six QB hits, and committed seven penalties in 10 games. In addition, on PFF, he had an overall grade of 57.5 (71st among 89 graded tackles), a pass-blocking grade of 50 (81st among 89 graded tackles), and a run-blocking grade of 64.9 (46th among 89 graded tackles).
The Cowboys knew that Guyton needed time to develop, but it's been an uphill battle thus far. If he continues to have difficulties in OTAs and training camp, Dallas may look in Shelton's direction, especially since they were high on the prospect.
During his time with the Nittany Lions, Shelton made 34 starts at left tackle. While he needs to improve his play strength, which will help him as a run blocker and give him more power against pass rushers, he can develop into a starter. He's a natural athlete with light feet, with the ability to get out of his stance in a hurry.
It's also important that he was durable in college, making 29 consecutive starts. Dallas has a track record of developing offensive linemen, and that could be the case with Shelton. The Cowboys gave Guyton two seasons to lock down the left tackle position, but he hasn't done so. That's why they added Shelton to the fold. If the rookie comes into the building and shows he's capable of starting, Guyton should be worried. If he doesn't show improvement, there's a chance he'll get moved to the bench.
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