Tyler Guyton: The Rising Star of the Dallas Cowboys' Offensive Line
Tyler Guyton, the Dallas Cowboys' first-round rookie left tackle, has been making significant waves both on and off the field. Selected 29th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Guyton has distinguished himself not only through his athletic prowess but also through his intelligence and confidence.
"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," remarked Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott about Guyton's performance at a team jeopardy night. It’s not just his mental acuity that sets him apart; Guyton has shown remarkable adaptability, quickly immersing himself in the Cowboys' system.
Guyton’s journey to the Cowboys started at the University of Oklahoma, where he began to carve out his reputation. At Oklahoma, Guyton showcased his versatility, starting 13 out of 14 games at right tackle. While he excelled on the right side in college, he has seamlessly transitioned to left tackle during training camp with the Cowboys.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has been particularly impressed with Guyton's development, noting, "I thought he had some nice reps against Micah." Indeed, Guyton's ability to hold his own against a formidable opponent like Micah Parsons speaks volumes about his potential. During a recent padded practice, Guyton managed to stonewall Parsons, highlighting his readiness for NFL-caliber competition.
A significant contributor to Guyton's rapid development has been left guard Tyler Smith. Both hailing from Texas, the two have formed a close bond. "He's helped me out a lot. He's like a big brother to me," said Guyton, reflecting on the importance of Smith's mentorship. Smith has been equally impressed with Guyton, saying, "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. The sky truly is the limit for him and his development."
It's not all been smooth sailing for Guyton; he faced a setback when an illness caused him to miss three practices in a row. Yet, even in adversity, he demonstrated resilience. Participating in a limited capacity upon his return, Guyton said, "I'm feeling better, for sure. I'm just under the weather, working my way back now."
Beyond the gridiron, Guyton has endeared himself to teammates and fans alike. During a rookie karaoke session, he performed "Mary Jane" by Rick James, a moment that showcased his lighter side. "It's a song that everybody knows is groovy and that would work," Guyton noted, revealing a glimpse of his personality.
As Guyton steps into the considerable shoes of his predecessor, Tyron Smith, he remains focused on being true to himself. Dak Prescott pointed out, "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."
Looking forward, the Cowboys have high expectations for Guyton. With continued guidance from seasoned players like Tyler Smith and the invaluable experience he’s gaining in practices, Guyton is poised to make a strong impact on the Cowboys' offensive line. His journey from a right tackle at Oklahoma to a first-round pick and now a promising left tackle for the Cowboys is a testament to his dedication and talent.
The Dallas Cowboys will soon engage in a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams, providing another critical opportunity for Guyton to refine his skills and further prove his worth. As he continues to develop and overcome challenges, the future indeed looks bright for Tyler Guyton. The rookie's blend of intellect, confidence, and physical ability marks him as a standout figure in the Cowboys' quest for dominance.