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5 surprise players the Cowboys could draft at No. 24

By Mark Heaney

Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) is pressured by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Quay Walker (7) and defensive lineman Travon Walker (44) in the first quarter during the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Bickel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) is pressured by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Quay Walker (7) and defensive lineman Travon Walker (44) in the first quarter during the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Bickel-USA TODAY Sports /
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We are incredibly close to the 2022 NFL Draft getting underway. Like always, there are now a collection of prospects that are constantly associated with the Dallas Cowboys. However, if we look at the last two Cowboys drafts, both CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons were “surprise picks,” so fans should be prepared for anything.

The Cowboys, this time around, have very specific needs. Positions on the offensive line, wide receivers, linebackers, and pass rushers are crucial for Dallas to fill this draft. This is a major issue for the front office. However, it is very possible that the best prospects at all of those positions get taken before No. 24 overall pick that Dallas has.

Fan favorites like Texas A&M guard Kenyon Green, and Boston College guard Zion Johnson have recently been mocked ahead of Dallas, so who are the backup options there? Plus, we all know that both Jerry and Stephen Jones have constantly said that they are open to taking “the best available” if a surprise player falls.

So, we know the common names. Johnson, Green, Chris Olave, etc. But who are players that the Cowboys could pick that may be more surprising? Let’s see.

5 surprise players the Cowboys could draft with the 24th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft

Cowboys, Tyler Smith
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 04: Tyler Smith #OL48 of Tulsa runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

1. Tyler Smith, Offensive Tackle/Guard, Tulsa.

At 6-5, 324 pounds, this redshirt sophomore that grew up just minutes from AT&T Stadium could provide the Cowboys with the offensive line help they need if the best guards and tackles are already off the board. Tyler Smith has seen his draft stock rising for a few months now, which is unsurprising considering his size, youth, and power. He is a true “mauler.”

The issue with Smith is generally how raw he is. There are technical issues, but the bigger issue the Cowboys may focus on is his discipline, or, lack-there-of. Dallas knows all too well the pain that offensive line penalties can cause. Some may argue that it cost them the season last year.

In that vein, replacing a guy like Connor Williams (a penalty-prone guard) with another penalty-prone guard could be a mistake. That is a valid argument. The difference is Williams never had the potential Smith has. He has a unique combination of strength, tenacity, and agility that few in the NFL have. The biggest question is whether he can put it all together.

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