Kurt: Part of the reason Smith is lining up at left tackle these last three games is simply out of necessity. With Tyler Guyton on injured reserve and Nate Thomas battling injuries as well, the Cowboys offense needs to make sure Dak Prescott stays protected.
As far as Smith’s future, we talked about this very subject on our Hangin’ With the Boys podcast, where we have the benefit of getting insight from a six-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro and three-time Super Bowl champ who played both guard and tackle during his career with the Cowboys.
According to Nate Newton, Tyler Smith can be a very good tackle … but he’s a great guard. In fact, he’s now earned his third straight Pro Bowl invite, becoming just the sixth guard in franchise history to be honored at least that many times. In addition, he has to be on the short list of players being considered for All-Pro status, if not this season then in the near future. And he’s still only 24 years old.
Playing guard is like fighting in a phone booth. It’s pure power and immediate contact. On the other hand, playing tackle can be a dance of sorts, obviously requiring more footwork and quickness to cover the outside. Sure, Smith played tackle in college and can be a dependable tackle in the pros, especially if he gets more experience on the outside. But he absolutely excels in the phone booth, which is so vital.
Because while being strong at the ends of the offensive line is important, don’t underestimate the need to be a true wall on the interior. If the inside isn’t solidified, both the passing and run games will struggle. They need Smith providing that inner barrier.
So ideally Guyton or Thomas develops further, or the Cowboys find someone else who can play left tackle. That way they can keep Smith at guard and let him (and the offense) be great. Just like Nate.