Cowboys' Tyler Smith Soars Up ESPN's Interior Linemen Rankings

The Dallas Cowboys saw the retirement of perennial All-Pro offensive guard Zack Martin this offseason.

While the Cowboys will turn to a rookie to fill his spot on the right side, another budding star is already fostering a stellar career to replace Martin's leadership and reliability.

Left guard Tyler Smith confirmed last season that he is among the best young players in the NFL. At just 24, he soared up ESPN's interior offensive lineman rankings released Saturday.

Jeremy Fowler ranked Smith as the second-best inside blocker, sitting only behind the Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro center Creed Humphrey. Last year, Smith was named an honorable mention on this list ... even after earning All-Pro Second Team honors in 2023.

"The buzz surrounding Smith popped in the voting," Fowler said of Smith's spot in his poll that surveyed NFL executives, coaches and scouts. "He wasn't on every top 10 ballot, but most of the votes he did get were for first or second place."

One general manager admired Smith's versatility on the blind side, something the Cowboys have had to experiment with after inefficiencies from the left tackle spot.

"Most physically gifted guard in the league who could legitimately be a top starter at LT if they wanted to play him there," the GM said. "Strong, athletic, nasty, and cut his holding penalties in half last year."

Smith's third season in 2024 saw just three flags; he drew two holdings and one false start. Only one of those penalties counted against the Cowboys, with the others being declined or offset.

Fowler admitted Smith's tendency to get overaggressive, but noted this improvement from 10 to three in penalties is a major sign of growth as he's gotten more comfortable in the league. "Either way, teams can live with Smith's aggressiveness because 'if he gets his hands on you, it's over,' an NFL coordinator said. Most personnel-based voters rely heavily on traits and what a player can be. Smith fits that bill."

Smith played over 1,000 snaps for the second season of his three-year career. He allowed just three sacks in 614 pass protection opportunities.

"Best guard in football," an NFL defensive line coach said. "Perennial Pro Bowl guy. Quick explosive, violent, strong hands, above-average pass pro, can reach second level."

The former first-round pick from Tulsa is on an expiring contract, but general manager Jerry Jones picked up his team option for a fifth season, locking him down in Dallas for the next two seasons.

Just like with Martin, the Cowboys struck gold on a first-round offensive lineman. With Smith now fully in charge of the front five, we expect him to a new contract that could exceed the highest-paying interior lineman contract ever.

The best guard in the NFL is plenty worth it.