Dallas Cowboys Star Offensive Lineman Tyler Smith Earns Widespread Praise from Top NFL Executives for His Dominant Play and Rapid Development.
Tyler Smith’s rise within the Dallas Cowboys organization has been nothing short of remarkable, and it’s now being recognized well beyond the confines of AT\&T Stadium. Once considered a raw prospect coming out of college, Smith has blossomed into a cornerstone of one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises. And now, some of the league’s top executives are starting to voice what Cowboys fans have already known for a while—Tyler Smith is a special player, and his best football is still ahead of him.
Coming out of the University of Tulsa, Tyler Smith was selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Cowboys. While some pundits at the time questioned whether the pick was a reach, the Dallas front office saw something in Smith that others had overlooked: strength, tenacity, and the kind of work ethic that could mold him into a long-term anchor on the offensive line. The Cowboys were in transition at the time, trying to patch holes in an aging offensive front, and Smith was seen as both a solution for the present and a foundational piece for the future. The front office took a gamble, and now, that gamble looks like a masterstroke.
As Smith enters his third NFL season, league executives are beginning to take stock of just how impactful he’s become. One AFC general manager reportedly told insiders that Smith “plays with a maturity and nastiness you rarely see from a guy that young,” adding that “if he’s not already elite, he’s dangerously close.” That kind of praise doesn’t come easily in a league known for ruthless evaluations and hard-nosed decision-making. It’s a testament to how Smith has not only met expectations but exceeded them in just a short span.
When you watch Smith play, the physicality jumps out immediately. He’s aggressive at the point of attack, finishes blocks with a mean streak, and consistently wins in both run and pass protection. But perhaps even more impressive is the way he’s adjusted to the complexity and speed of the NFL game. His technique has improved noticeably, and he’s become more disciplined, more precise, and more patient with every snap. Whether lining up at guard or tackle—positions he’s played with equal effectiveness—Smith has given Dallas flexibility and dependability up front.
It’s not just Cowboys coaches and fans singing his praises anymore. Around the league, Smith is being viewed as a foundational lineman who could make Pro Bowls for years to come. Multiple league executives have included him in internal evaluations as one of the NFL’s best young offensive linemen, and some believe he could be a perennial All-Pro candidate as early as this season. The praise isn’t hollow—it’s backed by film study, advanced metrics, and on-field results. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith graded out as one of the top linemen under 25 last season, particularly excelling in run blocking, where his strength and technique were on full display.
Smith’s importance to the Cowboys can’t be overstated. With an offense led by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tony Pollard, the line needs to be both sturdy and dynamic. Smith has provided that security, often lining up next to veterans like Tyron Smith or Zack Martin and holding his own. But now, with the elder Smith and Martin nearing the twilight of their careers, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Tyler Smith will be the one to carry that torch forward.
One NFC executive described Smith as “a culture guy,” emphasizing that his presence in the locker room is just as valuable as his performance on the field. “He’s not a loudmouth, but he’s respected. He does things the right way. You can build around that,” the executive said. That kind of leadership, especially from a young lineman, is rare. Offensive line play often takes years to master, and leadership traits sometimes come later. In Smith’s case, it’s already present—and it’s rubbing off on teammates.
For the Cowboys, the development of Smith has had a cascading effect. With a stable presence at left guard or tackle, depending on need, Dallas has been able to shift personnel strategically without suffering a significant drop in performance. His versatility has given offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer more freedom in play-calling and helped preserve the health of aging veterans by giving the team options. It’s hard to overstate the impact of having a player who can fill multiple roles without a drop in effectiveness.
The Cowboys coaching staff, led by Mike McCarthy, has frequently pointed to Smith as a prime example of what the team wants to develop—physical, smart, and relentless players who are committed to improvement. Offensive line coach Mike Solari has worked closely with Smith and has praised his willingness to absorb coaching. “Every day, he comes in with his notepad open, ready to learn,” Solari said. “You don’t always get that with young players. He wants to be great, and you can see it.”
Indeed, it’s the desire for greatness that seems to separate Smith from the pack. The NFL is filled with talent, but not all of it is accompanied by the hunger to maximize potential. With Smith, the motor runs high, and the desire to improve never seems to wane. Whether it’s staying late after practice to study film or working on hand placement and footwork with teammates during the offseason, he’s constantly refining his craft. That dedication has not gone unnoticed by the Cowboys’ front office, who have quietly begun planning to ensure Smith remains in Dallas for the long term.
Though he still plays on his rookie contract, there’s little doubt that an extension is in Smith’s future—potentially a massive one if his trajectory continues. In a league where top offensive linemen command premium salaries, Smith could soon find himself among the highest-paid at his position. But for now, he remains focused on the season ahead, keeping his head down and letting his play do the talking.
Cowboys fans, long accustomed to dominant offensive line play thanks to legends like Larry Allen, Erik Williams, and more recently Zack Martin and Tyron Smith, are beginning to place Tyler Smith in that lineage. It’s not just about performance—it’s about toughness, reliability, and the quiet leadership that defines the heart of a championship-caliber team. Smith fits that mold perfectly, and if his development continues at this pace, he could become a household name even outside of Dallas.
The Cowboys’ offense, with its high-powered weapons and postseason aspirations, relies on the trenches more than most casual fans realize. Without a solid line, the rest of the machine falters. With Smith anchoring one side, the entire offensive unit benefits. Whether it’s giving Prescott the time he needs to make throws or opening lanes for the ground game, Smith’s fingerprints are all over the offense’s success. And that, more than anything else, is what makes the praise from executives so well deserved.
As Dallas eyes another deep playoff run, Tyler Smith’s name will be one to watch. He’s already earned the trust of his coaches, the admiration of his teammates, and now, the respect of decision-makers across the NFL. For a player still so early in his career, that kind of recognition is rare—and it speaks volumes. The Cowboys struck gold when they drafted Tyler Smith, and now, the rest of the league is starting to realize it too. The path ahead looks bright, and if Smith continues on this upward arc, he may soon be known not just as one of the Cowboys’ best linemen, but as one of the best in the entire league.
