Why Tyler Smith ‘working option’ as Cowboys LT doesn’t mean it’s Plan A

[DrRage]

Since the day Tyler Smith arrived in Dallas, a debate has waged over where his ideal position would be. The 21-year-old offensive tackle from Tulsa was a highly regarded prospect in the 2022 draft. He had the kind of size and strength that couldn’t be taught, and he came with inside-outside versatility making him an option at tackle as well as guard.Tyron Smith's presence on the roster blocked his immediate path to LT but the Cowboys still generally viewed Tyler Smith as the heir apparent to the accomplished veteran. "I think the key thing is we think he can be our left tackle for a long time, at some point in time," Stephen Jones said after the draft. "Obviously we have the best in the business now in Tyron Smith, but at some point his ability makes us think he can be a top, top left tackle." As fortune would have it, a significant hamstring tear to Tyron Smith just days before the season opener pushed the rookie to the LT position immediately in 2022. Tyron Smith would return late in the season but for continuity's sake the Cowboys pushed the veteran to the right side to replace the injured Terence Steele and let the rookie Smith continue at LT.When Tyron Smith came back healthy for the 2023 season the Cowboys went back to their original plan from a season before; Tyron Smith would play LT and Tyler Smith would play left guard. The younger Smith would go on to play at All-Pro levels at LG, setting the NFL on fire at ripe age of 22.Fast-forward to 2024 and Tyron Smith is no longer with the Cowboys and Tyler Smith is being mentioned as the front-runner to replace him at LT. Per Jerry Jones, the Cowboys couldn't afford to keep Tyron Smith and chance him hitting the incentives in the Jets deal. Tyler Smith is the working option at left tackle going into the draft— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) March 24, 2024 Calling Tyler Smith "the working option at LT" has sent shockwaves through the fanbase. How could the Cowboys move someone who looked destined to be a 10-year cornerstone All-Pro at LG, outside to LT where he might not offer the same quality of play?  The fallout from these recent comments have led many draftniks to adjust their first-round expectations for Dallas, removing OT from the top of the list and paying extra attention to the interior offensive line instead. Yet such a philosophical shift might be an overreaction to the Cowboys comments. Maybe nothing has changed at all?

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