Dallas, TX
Cowboys want offensive lineman Tyler Smith to be versatile for game days
The Dallas Cowboys have many concepts in thoughts for first-round offensive lineman Tyler Smith and the primary amongst them is ensuring the rookie offers them choices.
DALLAS — There’s a long-term motive that the Dallas Cowboys labored their prime general draft decide Tyler Smith at left deal with through the second week of organized actions at The Star.
The obvious motive is to offer the membership choices in a post-Tyron Smith world. The extra sensible motive is to offer the sport day roster flexibility.
“There’s a long-term motive to this, too, and it’s huge image as a result of I believe while you get your eight linemen,” coach Mike McCarthy instructed reporters June 2. “That is the best way my thoughts works. I’m fascinated about the 53. I’m fascinated about sport day. I’m fascinated about who’s going to be up, who’s going to be down.”
By way of the beginning 5 offensive linemen, Smith figures to be the brand new left guard. Nevertheless, ought to there be any in-game availability points, Smith’s versatility to kick out to left deal with could possibly be very helpful.
In 2020, the Cowboys used the flexibility of proper guard Zack Martin to assist out with points at proper deal with. With Tyron Smith and La’el Collins each misplaced after the primary two weeks of the season, and Dallas relying upon undrafted free agent rookie Terence Steele and Brandon Knight, the Cowboys needed to shuffle the road to search out the perfect five-man mixture. Martin’s versatility allowed Dallas to climate the storm, though the wave of accidents, finally even to Martin, capsized their season with the Cowboys ending 6-10.
McCarthy says he and vice chairman of participant personnel Will McClay discuss every day in regards to the place flex of gamers up and down the roster — not simply throughout the offensive line.
“Will and I speak about this dialog every day the place we’re gamers and the gamers we had been this morning,” stated McCarthy. “Does he do two issues? I believe it’s vital for gamers, until they’re a quarterback or a kicker or a specialty place, that they must carry two issues to the desk. As a result of in the event that they don’t, their capacity to be up on sport day is clearly restricted.”
McCarthy admits that the stress of studying two positions has been “robust” on Smith, however appreciates the progress he has made after a month.
“Love the best way he’s wired,” McCarthy stated. “He’s very aggressive. Has an alpha persona whilst a younger man. He’ll proceed to develop. I believe he’s impressed the veteran gamers thus far.”
The emphasis on Smith’s flexibility alongside the left facet offers the Cowboys choices in case accidents strike once more.
Do you suppose Tyler Smith is able to lock down an O-line job or ought to he be used at a number of positions? Share your ideas with Mark on Twitter @therealmarklane.
