This 2024 rookie needs a change of address

He was the first rookie selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft. But while Tyler Guyton was taken with the intent of replacing Tyron Smith at left tackle, he might need to be moved elsewhere.

No, not out of Dallas, but across to the other side of the offensive line.

With the retirement of Zack Martin, the Cowboys’ offensive line is going to be overhauled.

So what better time to move Guyton over to right tackle, where he played during his college career, which could be an upgrade over Terence Steele?

Who then would play left tackle, you ask? Move Tyler Smith from left guard to left tackle.

Then, have T.J. Bass and Brock Hoffman at guard with Cooper Beebe at center.

Boom. An offensive line to open holes for the run game and offer improved pass protection for Dak Prescott.

It’s either this or hope that Guyton has a much better sophomore season in 2025 than he did as a rookie in 2024.

Putting it bluntly, Guyton stunk. He’s in danger of making it two straight busts in the first round for Jerry Jones and his brain trust.

Guyton began the year as the starting left tackle.

He missed two games to start in 10 of the first 12 games of the season.

He did not start the next four games. Guyton played a total of 97 snaps off the bench in those games, with 58 of those coming in the win over Carolina.

He started the season-finale against Washington, but only played 25 snaps in that game.

In addition to his struggles with consistent run blocking and pass protection, Guyton was flagged 14 times in 15 games. He had five games with multiple penalties called against him.

He drew four flags alone in the win over the Commanders in November.

But the lowlight of the season came in a comedy of errors play in the 34-10 loss to the Texans on Nov. 18th.

Guyton recovered a fumble by Cooper Rush. But instead of just falling on it, Guyton kept the play alive and fumbled it away to Houston for a scoop-and-score touchdown by the Texans.

Roster Review 2025: Tyler Guyton. This is Part 16 of a series. Click here for a list of all related articles.

Outlook For 2025

Guyton will be a starter in 2025. The only question is: on which side of Beebe at center will Guyton line up on.

Ideally, he’s better suited at right tackle.

He’s more comfortable there and wouldn’t be protecting Dak Prescott’s blind side.

Tyler Smith has played at left tackle and did well there.

Or, Dallas could re-sign Chuma Edoga, who was putting in solid work at left tackle at the end of last year. Edoga is a free agent next month, but could be retained without breaking the bank.

With a new offensive coordinator and line coach in house, the coaching staff won’t feel beholden to retain the status quo.

If they see an advantage to moving some players around, they’re likely to do it.

Conversely, Klayton Adams and Conor Riley might see something in Guyton at left tackle and leave him there.

If they choose to do so, they’re going to have to do a lot of work to get him up to par. Guyton simply can’t repeat his rookie year.

Not if he expects to retain his starting job, or his roster spot.

Long-Term Outlook

After the dismal first two seasons that Mazi Smith has put on, Cowboys Nation can be forgiven for throwing an early bust flag in Guyton’s direction.

Like Smith, Guyton has shown flashes of a promising career. But, also like Smith, those flashes have been few and far between.

Smith showed just enough signs of improvement last year to buy himself one more year of grace in Dallas, especially with a new defensive coordinator coming in.

Guyton may not have that luxury.

Smith didn’t have players behind him on the depth chart Dallas could reliably turn to. Guyton does, and they showed they could be better than he was.

For Guyton, it would seem, 2025 will be the year he either makes it, or gets shipped out.