Positive Perspectives on Tyrone Smith

 

Having Tyrone Smith as the starting left tackle is a big deal for the Cowboys. Smith missed five games with an ankle sprain last season. Before Smith got hurt, the Cowboys were a top-four team in the league in virtually every major offensive category. However, he wasn't much of a pass rusher, as he racked up just two sacks in 416 pass-blocking snaps.

Smith will have a limited practice schedule for the next three weeks, which means he'll need to be evaluated before he is reinstated to the 53-man roster. This will give the Cowboys a chance to evaluate his strengths and weaknesses, and possibly identify a replacement. They'll have to replace La'el Collins at right tackle and Connor Williams at left guard. If they can manage to get Smith up and running, it should be a fun season for the Cowboys.

While he's been sidelined, the Cowboys have been able to take some positive steps forward with regards to their aging starting tackle. First, Smith was rewarded with a 3-4 week timetable in early November. They've also been able to move forward with the signing of former Washington and Denver tight end Drew Brees, who will be the team's newest playmaker. The biggest loss on the Cowboys' side is the loss of a high-end starter at a position that has long been a strength.

The Cowboys have been forced to make some bold moves to fill the void. While the team did not draft an All-Pro left tackle in the first round, they did snag a third-round pick in the first tier of the second tier. The Cowboys are also going to have to figure out if the 2022 fifth-round pick has what it takes to Tyrone Smith positive perspectives earn the coveted starter's job. Until then, the Cowboys will be relying on a rotation of rookies and veterans to replace the departed stars. This is just the first phase of a re-build, as the team will need to make some more significant moves to shore up the ill-fated Connor Williams.

The Cowboys also managed to sign a promising 2021 fourth-rounder in the middle of the pack, which should provide some welcome relief. The Cowboys still have three more holes to fill, but it looks like they'll be better off for it. This is the only way they can truly compete in the AFC West and earn the title of king of the hill.