Dallas Cowboys: 6 shocking training camp revelations
#3. Aldon Smith could be the NFL’s biggest sleeper
Everything we’ve heard about Aldon Smith coming out of training camp indicates the 30-year old pass rusher is the same player that exploded onto the NFL scene back in 2011 racking up an incredible 33.5 sacks in his first two seasons in the league.
It’s one thing to hear about Smith’s impressive length and power from head coach Mike McCarthy or quarterback Dak Prescott. But it’s another to hear that kind of praise from the left tackle who’s gone head-to-head with him before.
In fact, Cowboys’ left tackle Tyron Smith was selected in the same draft as Aldon Smith. The latter was the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, while Tyron was the Cowboys’ selection just two picks later.
So Tyron Smith not only has a near-decade of experience going against the NFL’s top pass rushers, but he’s also played against Aldon Smith at his best. So Tyron’s take of Aldon’s return to the league after nearly five years out of football should hold more water.
Tyron Smith on Aldon Smith: “Heck of a player. It doesn’t look like he’s lost a step at all. Still the same guy. Still has the talent. Still has the work ethic. He brings it every day...It’s kinda difficult to describe him b/c you never know what (move) he’s gonna bring to you.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 27, 2020
According to Tyron Smith, everything we’re hearing coming out of training camp is true. And despite the long layoff, Aldon Smith may very well be the biggest sleeper in the NFL this season. Remember, not only is Smith playing opposite DeMarcus Lawrence (which allowed Robert Quinn to register 11.5 sacks last season, his most since 2013), but the presence of Everson Griffen means the pass rush onus is not on Aldon’s shoulders alone.