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‘Most Physically Gifted Guard in the League’: NFL GM Has Major Praise for Dallas Cowboys Star

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 9:04 AM ET

Dallas Cowboys guard Tyler Smith has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier interior offensive linemen, earning the No. 2 spot in ESPN’s 2025 rankings of interior linemen. His rapid rise reflects both his exceptional physical traits and his refinement as a technical player over the past three seasons.

Smith’s ascent has drawn widespread acclaim, with league insiders praising his rare combination of strength, athleticism, and aggression. A general manager described him as the most physically gifted guard in the league, noting his ability to dominate defenders with sheer power and reach the second level with ease.

Sep 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyler Smith (73) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

His versatility also stands out, as he could excel at left tackle if the Cowboys needed him to shift positions. In 2024, Smith displayed significant growth, cutting his penalties from 10 in the previous season to just three, with only one enforced.

He played over 1,000 snaps, allowing just three sacks across 614 pass-blocking reps, further cementing his reputation as a cornerstone of Dallas’ offensive line. His consistency and ability to handle elite defenders have transformed him into a perennial Pro Bowl talent.

Anonymous NFL General Manager Drops Major Praise for Dallas Cowboys’ Tyler Smith

Aug 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA;Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyler Smith (73) walks off the field after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Smith’s performance in Dallas has captured the attention of an unnamed NFL GM in a good way. This is detailed more in an analysis by Jeremy Fowler for ESPN.

Replacing Martin in Dallas is a tough task, but Smith has the ability to do just that.

The buzz surrounding Smith popped in the voting. He wasn’t on every top 10 ballot, but most of the votes he did get were for first or second place.

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

Replacing future Hall of Famer Zack Martin was no small task, but Smith has seamlessly stepped into the role, becoming the anchor of the Cowboys’ line. His impact goes beyond individual accolades, as his dominance in pass protection and the run game offers stability for an offense looking to rebound in 2025. Paired with rookie Tyler Booker, Dallas now boasts one of the league’s most promising offensive lines.

October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyler Smith (73) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

With two Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors already under his belt, Smith is poised to redefine the market for interior linemen. As he continues to elevate his game, the Cowboys can rely on him as a foundational piece for years to come. Smith’s trajectory positions him as a future face of the league’s offensive line elite.

Jul 30, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyler Smith (73) during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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