The Dallas Cowboys drafted Tyler Guyton with the 29th overall pick in 2024 out of Oklahoma. The Cowboys hoped Guyton would replace long-time left tackle and first-ballot Hall of Famer Tyron Smith. Unfortunately, all he did was put on the shoes. This year, Guyton must fill the shoes left by Tyron Smith more than a year ago.

Tyron Smith is one of the all-time greats and will take his rightful place in Canton one day. Tyron Smith was a constant, being selected for an All-Pro team five times in his career. When healthy, Tyron Smith protected the blindside of Tony Romo and Dak Prescott while spoiling the Cowboys fanbase.

Unfortunately, health was the knock on Tyron Smith, ultimately leading the Cowboys to part ways with him and decide to replace him with another first-round pick in Tyler Guyton.

Guyton wasn’t placed in the most ideal situation. Guyton would be tasked with transitioning from the right tackle spot he played his entire college career to starting at left tackle in the NFL. That transition is hard for pros to adjust to, let alone a rookie going up against some of the best athletes in the world at the pass rusher position.

Left tackles are known as the blindside blocker in passing situations. Unfortunately for Guyton, the Cowboys were not effectively running the ball, and being down in the second half forced Dallas to pass the ball. This led to more opportunities for Guyton to get beaten in pass protection and struggle with penalties and allowing sacks.

For the position change, the Cowboys’ pass-heavy offense, and the immense pressure of following Tyron Smith, Guyton was set up to fail… not to mention all the injuries on the rest of the offensive line that impacted chemistry and continuity.

In year two, the tides are turning for Tyler Guyton, and here are four reasons why:

1 — Tyler Guyton is in Year 2

Have you ever started a new job? A new position? You might be qualified for the role, but it takes time to adjust. Tyler Guyton has all the physical abilities and has shown at the college level that he can play with the best of them. Left tackle is just slightly different than right tackle. For Guyton, he now has a full year under his belt at this new position and won’t be learning a new position, just how to get better at his current one.

2 — Tyler Guyton has Dak Prescott

Missing your starting quarterback is hard, especially when he is one of the highest-paid in the NFL. Prescott is a different quarterback than Cooper Rush and Trey Lance. Prescott is mobile enough to help his offensive line out and extend plays, while being experienced enough not to be overwhelmed. Rush lacked the mobility, while Lance lacked the experience. Playing left tackle for Dak Prescott will be much easier for Tyler Guyton because Prescott will recognize the defensive coverage and put Guyton in the best position to succeed.

3 — Tyler Guyton has Brian Schottenheimer

While Guyton has Dak Prescott in the backfield, he won’t have to worry about protecting him as much. Mike McCarthy was a pass-happy coach, and it probably had to do with the running game’s deficiencies. Brian Schottenheimer has been outspoken about wanting to run the football and create a balanced attack. Schottenheimer believes running the football will open up the play-action and passing game. Schottenheimer seems eager to build on this philosophy, and it will help set Guyton up for success.

4 — Tyler Guyton has Klayton Adams

Not only does Guyton have a head coach who wants to run the football, but his new offensive coordinator spent last year as an offensive line coach for the Arizona Cardinals. Klayton Adams walks in highly regarded for the work he did in Arizona with their line, opening up the run game for James Conner and allowing a short-statured Kyler Murray to play freely. Many offensive coordinators have a focus on quarterbacks, with others having a background in coaching the skilled positions. With an offensive line background, Adams will put Guyton and the other linemen in the best position to succeed.

Guyton has been seen working out with Tyron Smith, and he is learning from the best right now. He never got that opportunity with Tyron Smith signing with the Jets last season. So now it’s no excuses for Tyler Guyton. The second-year pro must take that leap and become the staple Tyron was for so many years.

Best of luck, Guyton. Show the Cowboys fanbase why you were taken in the first round.