The Dallas Cowboys suffered a sizable loss during free agent this offseason when long-time left tackle Tyron Smith departed. He signed a free agent deal with the New York Jets, creating a void in the trenches in Dallas.
While a free agent addition wasn’t made, Dallas wasted little time filling that void in the 2024 NFL Draft. With their first-round pick, No. 29 overall, the Cowboys selected Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton.
Guyton is a very intriguing pick for a first-rounder given his lack of experience. He only started playing football in high school and wasn’t on the offensive line until he transferred to Oklahoma in 2022.
Before that, he was playing on the defensive side in high school. As a youth football player, he was a quarterback and when he was older he played some tight end. The Cowboys have a long history of developing offensive linemen and there is a lot to like about what Guyton brings to the table.
Before football became his main focus, it was basketball that Guyton excelled at. It is easy to see why as he is listed at 6’8” and weighing 322 pounds. During his first press conference as a Cowboy, Guyton made a funny comment when asked about his talents on the basketball court.
“I feel like my game is like LeBron,” Guyton said when answering how his basketball skills were.
Tyler Guyton was originally a basketball player standing at 6'8. He didn't start playing football until his senior year of high school. Asked how his basketball game was during Friday's press conference Guyton said, "I feel like my game is like LeBron."#CowboysNation |… pic.twitter.com/BpGpqC0B7b
— D210SPORTS (@D210S) April 26, 2024
Being a two-sport athlete should benefit Guyton. He is as raw of a prospect in the draft, which means the Cowboys can mold and develop him as they see fit. Given their track record, no one is going to bet against Guyton panning out long-term.
Dallas should have no worries about inserting Guyton right into the lineup at right tackle. After he gains more experience, he could always flip over to the left side should the need arise.
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