The Dallas Cowboys have been one of those teams fearless in investing draft capital into their offensive line.
Right or wrong, it’s been a staple in their draft process.
The names are familiar but worth mentioning – Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, Travis Frederick, and, more recently, Tyler Smith were all first-round picks.
To a certain extent, they’ve used top-100 picks as well, with Connor Williams, Chaz Green, and Connor McGovern.
I’m not here to debate their process. Considering where they stand today with injuries, I can understand why they do that.
Tyler returned, and Tyler Biadasz, Zack, and Tyron exited the stage right with injuries. I can live with Biadasz and Martin missing time because it doesn’t happen often.
For Tyron, on the other hand, Dallas may need to make some permanent adjustments to protect themselves going forward.
They have the personnel – so why not?
Tyler Smith is the Left Tackle of the future – but should he be the “now” as well?
Here’s part two of egg in my face – a few articles ago, I mentioned Tyler Smith playing guard next to Tyron Smith was the best combination for Dallas.
Technically, I and others could still be correct, but at what cost?
As his comrades struggled mightily against the Arizona Cardinals, Tyron sat on the sidelines dressed, leaving fans and onlookers wondering why he wasn’t playing.
Was it because the team needed a required number of linemen “active”?
Potentially. Nevertheless, the former 9th overall pick from USC missed another game that landed as a trend three years counting.
Tyler Smith, on the other hand, played very well in his inaugural season as a left tackle. His athleticism shined brightly, and each game was progressively better than the one prior.
He played 1022 snaps on the outside last season versus 121 at left guard.
Putting Chuma Edoga on that island versus Matthew Judon makes me close my eyes like a child playing hide and seek.
For Dallas, I would prefer to pull the band-aid off and stop worrying about a player’s feelings and focus on the long-term progress of this offensive line.
At this point, Tyler is healthy and ready to go.
While his Pro Football Focus scores this year on the interior (84.4) are impressive, his future is at tackle, but it needs to be the present as well.
The snaps at both left and right guard will help TJ Bass in the long Term
If Tyler Smith resides on the outside, that leaves a gaping hole at the left guard spot.
What should the Dallas Cowboys do with that position?
I guess you could flip positions with Tyler and Chuma and have the former Jet handle some interior work.
That’s a thought.
A better idea for Dallas is putting TJ Bass between the younger Smith and Biadasz upon his return, especially if Zack is on track for the New England Patriots.
Bass has not been blowing the roof off the building.
However, for an undrafted free agent to get thrown into the mix, his performances are better than some we’ve seen in the past.
For Chuma Edoga, no one is trying to send him to the unemployment line. We still need him for depth (see my last few statements about injuries).
PFF has Bass accounting for four pressures, one penalty, and no sacks. I’ll take that.
He will be much better at one spot than pivoting back and forth. Again, this is another move for the now and the future.
When healthy, it’s time for Tyron to take his rightful place as the swing tackle
I am confident there’s more to this piece than I will ever know.
The contract will most certainly play a role in this move.
Tyron has a $3 million base salary with playing time accelerators attached to it that could earn him another $11 million, including playoff time.
There may have been a handshake agreement that made him feel good enough to sign this type of contract. Or Tyron may see the trees through the forest.
Every player is an injury risk each time they put pads on, but he takes it to another level.
He’s more than an injury risk, and he’s a consistent injury concern now with the knee issues.
Being the backup tackle could extend his career. He played well enough on the right side to feel confident if he had to flip the side.
I would rest easy for the Dallas Cowboys, with Tyron doing that compared to Matt Waletzko or Chuma.
The musical chairs of this position group have to be exhausting for this fanbase, coaching staff, and, most notably, players.
While there’s always a chance injury would force your hand, choosing the youth movement would solidify this unit it for years to come.
