Tyler Guyton Shines as Promising Rookie for Dallas Cowboys
In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys made a significant gamble that seems to be paying off handsomely. With the 29th overall pick, they selected Tyler Guyton, an exceptional talent from the University of Oklahoma. Guyton's transition to the professional level, as a first-round rookie left tackle, has been nothing short of remarkable.
One key aspect of Guyton's swift adaptation to the Cowboys' system is his intelligence and confidence. Dak Prescott, the team's star quarterback, couldn't help but marvel at Guyton's mental acuity. "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," said Prescott, recounting a moment from a team jeopardy night.
Guyton's journey in football has its roots in the University of Oklahoma. Despite primarily playing right tackle and starting 13 of his 14 collegiate games there, he's proven his versatility and skill at left tackle during training camp. This transition has not just highlighted his physical abilities but also his intellectual grasp of the game. "His intelligence and confidence for sure. It's showing on the field, too. The guy has picked up everything we have thrown at him... He comes back with the same mindset and does win it that time," Prescott added.
Head coach Mike McCarthy also took notice of Guyton's early performance, particularly his ability to handle high-pressure matchups. "I thought he had some nice reps against Micah," McCarthy stated, referring to Guyton's impressive show during padded practice where he managed to stonewall Micah Parsons, one of the NFL's most explosive defenders.
Learning from the Best
Despite his rookie status, Guyton has been fortunate to have the guidance of veterans like left guard Tyler Smith, who has taken on a mentorship role. "He's helped me out a lot. He's like a big brother to me," Guyton said. The two share more than just their names; they both hail from Texas and have quickly developed a strong rapport. Tyler Smith's praise was unequivocal: "The sky truly is the limit for him and his development." Smith also commented on Guyton's physical attributes, "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."
In their shared moments on and off the field, Tyler Smith's experience has been instrumental for Guyton. The rookie's predecessor in the left tackle position, Tyron Smith, left big shoes to fill. However, Prescott believes that Guyton just needs to be himself. "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 emphasized.
Overcoming Challenges
Guyton's rookie season hasn't been without its hurdles. He faced an illness that caused him to miss three consecutive practices. When he did return, it was on a limited basis. Reflecting on this challenging period, Guyton said, "I'm feeling better, for sure. I'm just under the weather, working my way back now."
This commitment to improvement and resilience is echoed by his teammates and coaches. Even Micah Parsons, his fierce competitor during practice, acknowledged the mutual benefit of their battles. "Of course it did. We're both getting each other better... Going up against him, even losing, helps me out," Parsons noted.
Guyton's lighter moments with the team have also become notable anecdotes in the locker room. A standout was his performance of "Mary Jane" by Rick James during a rookie karaoke session. Guyton's choice reflected his understanding of what would resonate well with his teammates. "It's a song that everybody knows is groovy and that would work," Guyton explained.
Looking Forward
The Cowboys are optimistic about their upcoming joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams, and all eyes will be on Guyton. With his impressive start, there's much anticipation surrounding his potential impact on an offensive line that has been a cornerstone of the Cowboys' strategy for years.
It's still early days, but Tyler Guyton is carving out a name for himself. His blend of intelligence, physical ability, and confidence is setting a high bar, and the Cowboys are reaping the benefits. For a rookie who faced considerable expectations, Tyler Guyton is proving that he belongs on football's biggest stage.