Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyler Smith Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Youngest player on Cowboys faces another huge battle vs. 49ers

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 1/20/23

When the Cowboys take the field Sunday, all eyes will be on the matchup between 21-year-old rookie left tackle Tyler Smith and 2022-23 NFL Defensive Player of the Year front-runner Nick Bosa.

The 2022 first-round pick Smith has split time between left guard and left tackle this season.

During the Cowboys' wild-card round win vs the Buccaneers, Smith started at left guard but slid over to left tackle after starter Jason Peters left the game with an injury.

He responded with his best game as a professional.

Across 37 pass-blocking snaps at BOTH LG and LT, Tyler Smith allowed 0 pressures & was almost marked with 1 "loss" on the evening.

A rookie making that kind of contribution in the playoffs is incredible. That performance alone shows he was well worth the first-rounder. #Cowboys
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) January 17, 2023

Not only was he dominant with his pass-blocking, but Smith was also able to make some huge blocks in the running game.

Anytime he was able to get to the second level of the defense, Smith would show off his strength by tossing someone on their back.

Cowboys rookie Tyler Smith seems to dump a defender like this every game. This time, Bucs LB Devin White on wrong end. Versatility to play both LG and LT shouldn't be taken for granted. Youngest player in building seamlessly kicked outside in playoff win after Jason Peters' exit. pic.twitter.com/DTmCmWfXe6
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 17, 2023

While Smith has done a serviceable job in his first year, he has only gotten better as the season has progressed.

Facing Bosa will be the biggest test the young rookie has faced yet.

Bosa is one of the cornerstones of the top-rated defense in the league. Allowing only 300.6 total yards per game and 16.3 points per game both league-best averages.

This season Bosa has 51 tackles, 18.5 quarterback sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Bosa has a unique blend of speed and strength that give him an arsenal of moves to use on the rookie Smith.

Just half a sack off the league lead at his bye. @nbsmallerbear has picked up where he left off last season. pic.twitter.com/I4l3wKPMGl
— NFL (@NFL) November 2, 2022

With it win-or-go-home, the Cowboys' will be hoping that Smith can hold his own on Sunday.

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