The Rise of Tyler Guyton: Dallas Cowboys’ New Hope at Left Tackle
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, first-round picks come with immense expectations and pressure. For the Dallas Cowboys, their 29th overall selection, Tyler Guyton, has already begun to make waves both on and off the field. As a first-round rookie left tackle, Guyton has impressed with his remarkable intelligence, confidence, and work ethic, quickly emerging as a promising asset for the team.
Adapting Quickly to the Cowboys' System
Guyton, who began his football journey at the University of Oklahoma, quickly adapted to the Cowboys' system. His swift integration into the team has not gone unnoticed. "His intelligence and confidence for sure. It's showing on the field, too. The guy has picked up everything we have thrown at him," said star quarterback Dak Prescott. This adaptability was further demonstrated when Guyton participated in a team jeopardy night, where, according to Prescott, "The dude jumped up there and spelled it as fast without any hesitation as I have ever seen. Still mind blown to be honest with you.”
On-Field Excellence
Guyton's on-field performances have been equally impressive. Having started 13 of his 14 collegiate games at right tackle, he has shown exceptional skill at left tackle during training camp. His ability to stonewall defensive stalwart Micah Parsons during padded practice sessions has particularly stood out. Even head coach Mike McCarthy has taken note, stating, "I thought he had some nice reps against Micah."
The rookie’s development has been significantly aided by left guard Tyler Smith. “He's helped me out a lot. He's like a big brother to me,” Guyton said, emphasizing the camaraderie and mentorship within the team. Both Tyler Guyton and Tyler Smith hail from Texas, adding a local flavor to their partnership on the offensive line. Smith praised Guyton's physical attributes, saying, "It's not very often that you find a human being who measures how he does, 6-7, 330 and has light feet and can just move and just bully dudes." Smith further commented on Guyton’s potential, “The sky truly is the limit for him and his development.”
Resilience and Character
Despite facing an illness that caused him to miss three consecutive practices, Guyton’s resilience shone through as he returned in a limited capacity. "I'm feeling better, for sure. I'm just under the weather, working my way back now," he shared, illustrating his determination to contribute to the team's success. His predecessor, Tyron Smith, left a significant legacy, but as Prescott pointed out, "He has to be Tyler Guyton. Doesn't really matter who played here before him... At the end of the day, you just need to be yourself and the best version of yourself."
Beyond the Field
An important aspect of Guyton’s experience with the Cowboys has been his involvement in team-building activities. During a rookie karaoke session, Guyton chose to perform "Mary Jane" by Rick James. "It's a song that everybody knows is groovy and that would work," he explained, further showcasing his confidence and ability to connect with his teammates.
Looking forward, Guyton's development will be closely watched as the Cowboys prepare for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams. As one of the most talked-about rookies in the league, his journey has just begun, but the early indicators are promising. Micah Parsons succinctly captured the essence of Guyton’s competitive spirit and its benefits, stating, "Of course it did. We're both getting each other better... Going up against him, even losing, helps me out."
With the combination of raw talent, strong mentorship, and an unyielding work ethic, Tyler Guyton is poised to make a significant impact on the Cowboys’ offensive line. The team's high expectations and his remarkable progress thus far suggest a bright future for this young athlete.