Tyler Guyton: The Rookie Who's Turning Heads in Dallas
For the Dallas Cowboys, the addition of rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton has been nothing short of a revelation. Selected 29th overall, Guyton's performance both on and off the field is drawing praise from players and coaches alike.
Guyton's intelligence and confidence have quickly set him apart. During a team jeopardy night, Guyton showcased his mental agility in a way that left even veteran quarterback Dak Prescott impressed. "The dude jumped up there and spelled it as fast without any hesitation as I have ever seen. Still mind blown to be honest with you," Prescott remarked, reflecting on Guyton's quick thinking.
Having begun his football journey at the University of Oklahoma, Guyton started 13 of his 14 games in college at right tackle. However, it's his adaptability and exceptional skill at left tackle during Cowboys' training camp that have captured attention. "I thought he had some nice reps against Micah," said Head Coach Mike McCarthy, highlighting Guyton's ability to rise to the challenge of facing one of the league's best defensive players.
Indeed, Guyton's standout moment in practice came when he managed to stonewall Micah Parsons during a padded session. This performance didn't go unnoticed by Parsons himself, who noted, "Of course it did. We're both getting each other better... Going up against him, even losing, helps me out."
Guyton’s transition to the NFL has been smooth, thanks in part to the support of left guard Tyler Smith. Both hailing from Texas, Smith has embraced a mentorship role with Guyton. "He's helped me out a lot. He's like a big brother to me," Guyton admitted. Smith has high hopes for the rookie, praised not only for his physical attributes but also for his potential. "It's not very often that you find a human being who measures how he does, 6-7, 330 and has light feet and can just move and just bully dudes," Smith said. "The sky truly is the limit for him and his development."
Guyton’s off-field contributions have also been notable. Whether it’s his participation in team events like jeopardy night or performing "Mary Jane" by Rick James during a rookie karaoke session, he has embraced the team culture wholeheartedly. "It's a song that everybody knows is groovy and that would work," Guyton said with a smile, reflecting on the karaoke night.
However, the journey hasn’t been without its bumps. Guyton recently faced an illness that sidelined him for three practices. "I'm feeling better, for sure. I'm just under the weather, working my way back now," he mentioned after participating in a limited capacity in his first practice back. Despite the setback, his resilience seems to be intact.
Guyton’s role is further emphasized by the legacy he's stepping into. With former standout Tyron Smith having been a cornerstone of the Cowboys' line, the shoes for Guyton to fill are undeniably large. Yet, Dak Prescott believes that Guyton's success isn’t about replacing Smith but carving out his own identity. "He has to be Tyler Guyton. Doesn't really matter who played here before him... At the end of the day, you just need to be yourself and the best version of yourself," Prescott advised.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys will have a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams, providing another stage for Guyton to display his progress and potential impact on the offensive line. As Dallas looks to bolster its front line, Tyler Guyton’s development will undoubtedly be a storyline to watch.