3 second-year Cowboys who are in the midst of breakout seasons

1. OL Tyler Smith

Like Bland, Smith exceeded expectations as a rookie. He started mainly at left tackle after Tyron Smith's torn hamstring and though penalties were an issue, he was markedly more dependable and assured than the raw prospect he was labeled as coming out of Tulsa last year.

A hamstring injury delayed Smith's start to the season, but if the last two games are any indication, the Cowboys have another star OL in the making.

Smith was the team's highest-graded player in Sunday's win with a 93.7 mark, per PFF. Highlights show him stonewalling Patriots star pass rusher Matt Judon on multiple occasions and he executed a perfect double team and climb that created a monster hole for Tony Pollard.

Like Bland, a Pro Bowl (dare we say All-Pro) nod is very realistic for Smith in year two. He's currently PFF's highest-graded guard and run-blocker, as well as the No. 7 graded pass-blocker. He was the best player on the field Sunday this side of Micah Parsons ... and he just might have been better than Parsons.

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