Tyler Smith is embracing his newfound leadership role with incoming rookies
Tyler Smith seems to have evolved into quite the leader.
Tyler Smith is entering his third year in the NFL, and while he has moved around the left side of the offensive line in his first few seasons, he seems to be settling in with his new designation as the left guard. In an interview posted by DallasCowboys.com, Smith talked about his mindset for the 2024 season.
Recently being named the top offensive guard under 25 by PFF, Smith is looking to continue to build off his very successful 2023 season. He shined last year at left guard and earned a second-team All-Pro nod as well as his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Now that Tyler Guyton has been drafted to play left tackle, Smith is excited to be able to focus all of his energy to perfecting his play at guard.
The top players under 25 at each offensive position pic.twitter.com/TpfaEWYV2y
— PFF (@PFF) May 20, 2024
Smith and Guyton not only share a first name, but they also share the experience of being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round. It wasn’t that long ago that Smith was standing in Guyton’s shoes. Smith’s advice for the incoming rookie - be confident. The focus for these early practices is teaching the young guys “the right way” to do things. At this stage of the season, that mainly entails the mental and technical side of things, bringing the young guys up to speed with the playbook and working on the fundamentals. Having someone who has already been through what Guyton is going through will be immensely helpful throughout the season, and Smith’s experience stepping in at LT his rookie season is an added bonus.
“I mean, I just tell him to be confident. I mean his tools are outrageous. Dude’s long, dude’s athletic. You know he has so many gifts and right now I’m just trying to give him the cheat codes.”
Smith may also be lining up next to another rookie at center in Cooper Beebe. Smith mentioned that one of the most important things he can do to ensure that Beebe has a successful rookie season is help with the communication on the offensive line. The mental aspect of the center position is crucial and it can be challenging for a young player to focus on communication when dissecting the defense pre-snap. Smith hopes to take as much as he can off of Beebe’s plate so he can be at his best.
“Centers have a lot on their plate. Obviously, he’s a new center. You know, he played guard in college. And so just communicating with him, keeping him up to speed, taking as much off his plate as we possibly can, so he can play the best that he can play.”
Smith was also asked what he thought of some people comparing him to the former 11-time Pro Bowler, Larry Allen. Allen had a 14-year career in the NFL where he also moved around the offensive line. And while Smith had some very high praise for the Pro Football Hall of Famer, he said he is working on being “the best Tyler Smith I can be every single day”.
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