Cowboys select OT Tyler Guyton to put exclamation point on nifty trade-back

The Dallas Cowboys could've had Duke offensive linemen Graham Barton, Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson or Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry with the No. 24 overall pick, but they made the diligent decision to move back to No. 29 overall in a trade with the Lions.

A handful of Cowboys targets went off the board after the trade, but they landed on Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton, who was arguably the most popular pick for Dallas during mock draft season.

Numerous draft experts projected the Cowboys to take Guyton at No. 24 overall. To grab the former Sooner with the 29th pick while picking up an extra third-round pick (No. 74 overall) is excellent front office work.

The Cowboys reportedly considered trading out of the first round entirely, but the thought of allowing another tackle to slip through the cracks was seemingly to alarming to pass up. Alas, Dallas gets its potential left tackle of the future to replace the departed Tyron Smith.

Cowboys select Tyler Guyton with 29th overall pick in 2024 NFL Draft

Guyton is extremely raw, but his arrival means Tyler Smith doesn't have to move from left guard. That's a huge win for the Cowboys, as Smith already looks the part of an elite LG after his first year at the position. After playing left tackle as a rookie, Smith was a second-team All-Pro at left guard this past season. Allowing the 23-year-old to continue his development along the interior is massive.

Meanwhile, Guyton was the No. 28 overall player on the consensus board among draft experts, so getting him at No. 29 is fantastic value. The Oklahoma product has long been on Dallas' radar. He had a formal meeting with the team at the combine and was a 30 visit at The Star in the weeks leading up to the draft.

At 6-7 and 322 pounds, Guyton has arguably the most impressive physical build of any offensive tackle in this class. He has starting-caliber physical tools and athleticism, but he'll have to be coached up to be trusted as en everyday left tackle.

Still, given the Cowboys' traack record of selecting offensive linemen in the first round, it's easy to get excited about the pick. An added bonus? Guyton actually grew up a Cowboys fan and said it'd be a dream to play in Dallas. That all but confirms he'll give everything for his team and new teammates.

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