T. Smith, a Dallas Cowboys first-round selection, is capable of covering Dak Prescott’s left tackle blindside.
The Cowboys selected Tyler Smith as the 24th pick. It seemed that the Tulsa lineman could slide to the right to compliment All-Pro veteran Tyron Smith.
Stephen Jones, Cowboys executive vice-president, clarified what role he sees for the rookie. Jones stated that Smith could be on the left side of the team, speaking on the PM Podcast via Jon Machota at The Athletic.
“I just think his upside is tremendous,” Jones said of Tyler Smith. “He played at a smaller school there at Tulsa. He only played in 18 games at Tulsa. But we just feel like his skill set really lends to him having an opportunity to be a top, top left tackle at some point.
Cowboys VP Stephen Jones on @ProFootballTalk’s PFT PM podcast on Dallas’ first-round pick OL Tyler Smith: pic.twitter.com/1kg4BQHmpJ
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 4, 2022
“Obviously, Tyron Smith is one of the most respected players in the industry for Tyler Smith to learn from. Tyler Smith will certainly have the opportunity to play at other positions. He will compete on the left side, at left guard and left tackle.
Jones pointed out that Smith’s absence was a motivation for the team to hire a left-handed lineman. Smith missed six games last season due to a neck injury that limited him to two games in 2020.
Two holes remain for the Cowboys with La’el Collins, right tackle, joining the Cincinnati Bengals and Connor Williams, left guard signing with the Miami Dolphins. Terence Steele could be the right tackle, while Smith is younger.
The 21-year old Smith could soon take over the 31-year-old Smith’s natural position.