Tyler Guyton: The Dallas Cowboys' Rising Star at Left Tackle
The Dallas Cowboys have found a promising new talent in their first-round rookie, Tyler Guyton. Selected 29th overall, Guyton has already made waves both on and off the field with his intelligence, confidence, and remarkable adaptability to the Cowboys' system.
Guyton’s football journey is grounded in his impressive collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma, where he started 13 of his 14 games at right tackle. Transitioning to the professional level, he has been making a significant impression at left tackle during the Cowboys' training camp. His quick adaptation and performance have not gone unnoticed. "His intelligence and confidence for sure. It's showing on the field, too. The guy has picked up everything we have thrown at him," said Dak Prescott, highlighting Guyton's seamless integration into the team.
Standing Out in Practice
In his training sessions, Guyton has shown exceptional skill, even managing to stonewall defensive standout Micah Parsons during a padded practice. Head coach Mike McCarthy remarked, "I thought he had some nice reps against Micah," underscoring the rookie's potential. For Guyton, facing a player of Parsons' caliber has been a valuable learning experience. "Of course it did. We're both getting each other better... Going up against him, even losing, helps me out," Parsons admitted.
Guyton's development has also been significantly aided by left guard Tyler Smith, who has taken on a mentorship role. Smith, who hails from the same Texas roots as Guyton, praised his protégé's physical attributes and 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 observed, adding, "The sky truly is the limit for him and his development."
Off-the-Field Flair
Beyond his on-field exploits, Guyton has also made his presence felt off the field. During a team jeopardy night, his quick thinking left a strong impression. Dak Prescott vividly recalls the moment: "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."
Guyton also showcased his personality during a rookie karaoke session, performing "Mary Jane" by Rick James. Explaining his song choice, Guyton said, "It's a song that everybody knows is groovy and that would work."
However, the journey hasn't been without its hurdles. Guyton recently faced an illness that kept him out of practice for three consecutive sessions. Reflecting on his condition, Guyton said, "I'm feeling better, for sure. I'm just under the weather, working my way back now." He participated in a limited capacity in his first practice back, demonstrating his determination and resilience. Looking ahead, the Cowboys are set for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams, providing another opportunity for Guyton to hone his skills.
Big Shoes to Fill
Guyton steps into the role previously held by Tyron Smith, a stalwart on the Cowboys' offensive line. Emphasizing the importance of carving out his own identity, Dak Prescott offered some advice: "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."
The Dallas Cowboys have high expectations for Tyler Guyton. His journey from Oklahoma to the big stage in Dallas is already filled with notable accomplishments and the support of his teammates. If his early performances are any indication, Guyton is poised to make a significant impact on the Cowboys' offensive line, setting the stage for what could be a stellar career in the NFL.