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Meeting Cowboys’ No. 24 pick Tyler Smith: Strengths, Weaknesses, Fit

By Brandon Martinez

Mar 4, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tulsa offensive lineman Tyler Smith (OL48) goes through drills during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tulsa offensive lineman Tyler Smith (OL48) goes through drills during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane offensive tackle Tyler Smith (56) guards during the second quarter of a game against the UCF Knights at Spectrum Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane offensive tackle Tyler Smith (56) guards during the second quarter of a game against the UCF Knights at Spectrum Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyler Smith’s Weaknesses

Technique: This is by far the Golden Hurricane’s biggest knock, which isn’t the worst thing in the world. He’s a project. He’s still relatively new to the tackle position, and a move to guard can help eliminate some of these issues. However, his technique is still of issue. He can be all over the place with hand placement, jabbing, and reaching too early or too late. Smith also has some issues with hand placement, often finding his hands on the outside of his opponent’s shoulders.

Penalties: The other big issue with Smith, which is partially due to his lack of technique, is the penalties. Yes, I know, why would we draft someone who struggles with penalties when our offensive line led the league in penalties last season? He’s raw, but it’s fixable. Smith led the FBS in penalties last season with 16. Again, this can be fixed, especially with a move to guard because he won’t have to rely on speed rushers as much. But, it’s still a slight cause for concern.

Health?: This is more of a footnote, if anything, and shouldn’t be too much cause for concern, but it’s still worth mentioning. Growing up, the Fort Worth native overcame Blount’s disease. This disease affects the growth plates around the knees, which can cause the legs to bow. In high school, doctors had to rebreak his legs and let them heal properly. Since he was drafted this high, it seems teams think he will be fine, but it’s still something to store away.

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