Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys 'Stars Aligning' Predicted To Come Down To One Surprising Player

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 1:33 PM ET

Expectations for the Dallas Cowboys in 2025 have been a mixed bag. Some have faith in the franchise, while others don't.

With so many moving parts this offseason, both on and off the field, Brian Schottenheimer has brought the energy, juice and hope back to the franchise.

CeeDee Lamb has his running mate, the run game looks to be a touch better and the draft haul, for some, ties everything together neatly.

However, for The Athletic's Ted Nguyen, Dallas' success in 2025 rests on the shoulders of one player - Tyler Guyton.

"The skeleton key for the Cowboys’ offense is the development of left tackle Tyler Guyton, last year’s first-round draft pick," Nguyen writes. "If he lives up to his vast potential, the Cowboys will have a dominant left side with Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith. They also committed more resources to building upfront, drafting right guard Tyler Booker in the first round this year.

"The line has the potential to be a real strength for the Cowboys to go with their talented receiver duo. With Prescott’s return, the stars could be aligning for the Cowboys’ offense."

To some, the idea that "it's all about Guyton'' registers as a surprise.

But we get the logic.

The offensive line now has three first-round picks on it (Guyton, Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker), and with Cooper Beebe impressing in his rookie year and Terence Steele showing some improvement, the line could be strengthened.

Additionally, the hiring of Klayton Adams as offensive coordinator and Conor Riley as offensive line coach, both of whom have backgrounds in developing effective run games, suggests that Guyton appears to be in good hands.

Now, is Dallas' success solely down to Guyton? No. However, adequately protecting Dak Prescott's blind side is a significant part of the equation here.

Do that and do it consistently, and who knows what the 2025 season has in store for the Cowboys.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: