Tyler Guyton Shines as Dallas Cowboys' New Hope at Left Tackle
Tyler Guyton’s journey to the NFL has been nothing short of exceptional. Selected 29th overall by the Dallas Cowboys, this first-round rookie left tackle has already made a significant impact, both on and off the field, through his intelligence and confidence.
Guyton, who started his football journey at the University of Oklahoma, transitioned seamlessly to the Cowboys' system. Within training camp, he showcased his exceptional skill set, which saw him swiftly stonewalling the likes of Micah Parsons during a padded practice session. Head coach Mike McCarthy noted, "I thought he had some nice reps against Micah." This kind of praise from a seasoned coach indicates Guyton’s readiness for the professional stage.
His adaptation to the NFL has been supported by left guard Tyler Smith, who has played a pivotal role in his development. Smith, also hailing from Texas like Guyton, commented on his teammate's abilities: "It's not very often that you find a human being who measures how he does, 6-7, 330, and has light feet and can just move and just bully dudes." Smith’s admiration for Guyton’s blend of size, agility, and physical prowess hints at the potential the Cowboys see in their rookie tackle.
Despite missing three practices due to illness, Guyton’s resilience has shone through. He managed to participate in a limited capacity upon his return and expressed his determination to get back to full strength. "I'm feeling better, for sure. I'm just under the weather, working my way back now," Guyton assured. This determination to push through adversity is exactly what the Cowboys need as they prepare for joint practices with the Los Angeles Rams.
Guyton’s intelligence was on full display during a team jeopardy night, where he left teammates in awe. Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott shared an anecdote that highlighted Guyton’s quick thinking: "The dude jumped up there and spelled it as fast without any hesitation as I have ever seen. Still mind blown to be honest with you." Prescott’s remarks underscore the cerebral qualities that complement Guyton’s physical attributes.
The camaraderie within the Cowboys’ locker room is evident, with Guyton even engaging in lighter moments such as a rookie karaoke session. His choice of "Mary Jane" by Rick James added to the team atmosphere, as he joked, "It's a song that everybody knows is groovy and that would work." These events help build chemistry within the team and show another side of Guyton, making him a well-rounded asset for the squad.
Reflecting on his relationship with Tyler Smith, Guyton affirmed, "He's helped me out a lot. He's like a big brother to me." This mentorship is critical as Guyton steps into the sizable shoes left by his predecessor, Tyron Smith. Dak Prescott emphasized the importance of Guyton finding his unique path: "He has to be Tyler Guyton. Doesn't really matter who played here before him... At the end of the day, you just need to be yourself and the best version of yourself."
The potential impact of Guyton on the Cowboys' offensive line is palpable. With both the physical tools and mental acumen required for the NFL, Guyton’s rapid development suggests a bright future. Tyler Smith perhaps summarizes it best: "The sky truly is the limit for him and his development." If training camp and pre-season practices are any indication, Tyler Guyton is a name Cowboys fans should get accustomed to hearing.
As the Cowboys gear up for their joint sessions with the Los Angeles Rams and the regular season beyond, the expectation is clear: Tyler Guyton’s blend of talent, intelligence, and resilience positions him to be a cornerstone of the Dallas offensive line for years to come.