We proceed the ‘Causes To Be Optimistic’ collection, the place we glance to search out causes for optimism forward of the 2025 season. This installment seems to be at Tyler Smith.

2024 Season stats:
Video games- 17
Snaps- 1,052
Passing Blocks- 682
Pressures Allowed- 22
Sacks Allowed- 2
Penalties- 9

2025 Projected stats:
Pressures Allowed- 2
Sacks Allowed- 2

Tyler Smith stands out as a beacon of promise and stability for the Dallas Cowboys and the offense, which appears loopy to say as followers felt annoyed when his title was referred to as within the first spherical of the draft. With the departures of stalwarts Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, Smith’s emergence as a frontrunner and his constant efficiency present Cowboys followers with a degree of reprieve for the offensive line.

In 2024, Smith solidified his popularity as a top-tier left guard and was a vivid spot on a struggling offensive line. In accordance with Professional Soccer Focus(PFF), he achieved an total grade of 75.0, rating twentieth amongst 136 guards. His pass-blocking grade registered at 76.0 (14th), whereas his run-blocking grade was 73.8 (twenty first). These metrics underscore his balanced proficiency in each defending the Dak Prescott and facilitating the run recreation.

Smith’s sturdiness is equally commendable. He participated in 1,052 snaps throughout the season and performed in all 17 video games, demonstrating his reliability and endurance on the sphere. In a yr the place so many offensive lineman struggled with well being, Smith remained a relentless and proved he could possibly be relied upon.

With the retirements of Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, the Cowboys’ offensive line has entered a significant transitional part, the primary time in fairly some time. Tyler Smith has embraced this modification, stepping up as a frontrunner. Each Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, in addition to the present offensive line gamers, have publicly endorsed him as the following nice lineman for the Cowboys, highlighting his potential to hold ahead their legacy. Smith himself has acknowledged the elevated accountability, expressing his dedication to guiding the youthful gamers and sustaining the excessive requirements set by his predecessors.

Recognizing his worth, the Cowboys exercised the fifth-year choice on Smith’s rookie contract, making certain his presence by means of the 2026 season. This transfer offers the crew with contractual stability and opens the door for potential long-term extension. Discussions round a profitable extension are already underway, with studies suggesting that Smith could possibly be in line for a record-breaking contract for an inside lineman.

Smith’s efficiency has not gone unnoticed by followers and gamers across the league. He earned his second consecutive Professional Bowl choice in 2024, changing into one of many few guards to attain this feat earlier than turning 24. Moreover, he’s been named a prime candidate for the NFL’s newly launched “Protector of the 12 months” award, which honors the league’s finest offensive lineman. And he’s even bagged an All-Professional honor in 2023, the man simply performs at a excessive degree.

Outlook for 2025
Because the Cowboys hope for achievement within the 2025 season, Tyler Smith’s position might be some of the pivotal for this crew. His constant efficiency, management, and contractual stability make him an indispensable asset. Followers can sit up for Smith anchoring the offensive line going ahead, making certain safety for Prescott and creating alternatives for the operating recreation and this newly-assembled operating again committee.