NFL Draft results 2022: Dallas Cowboys select Tyler Smith with the 24th pick

The Dallas Cowboys saw a run on wide receivers and guards before their pick, so they had to pivot. Instead, they went for tackle Tyler Smith out of Tulsa. The team needs to improve their offensive line but they were likely hoping for one of the top guards to do that. Smith will battle Terence Steele unless they try to move Smith inside to guard.

Some analysis of Smith:

NFL.com:

Power merchant who plays the game with a field demeanor that can work in his favor on one play and against him on the next snap. Smith is able to displace defenders as a run blocker despite lacking proper hand usage for leverage. He’s explosive and athletic but struggles to sustain and finish what he starts. He’s too quick to discard any semblance of technique in favor of bear-hugging the opponent and drawing a penalty. A move from tackle to guard would allow teams to feature his downhill power in the rushing attack while reducing exposure in pass protection. The holes in his game can all be filled if he accepts coaching and brings it to the field on Sundays.

PFF:

Smith’s run-blocking tape is a sight to behold. Neither Neal nor Ekwonu led the FBS in big-time blocks last season; it was Smith. He likely ends up at guard and is a work in progress as a pass protector, but you can’t teach his power.

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Cowboys 2022 draft picks:

• Round 1, pick 24
• Round 2, pick 56
• Round 3, pick 88
• Round 4, pick 129
• Round 5, pick 155
• Round 5, pick 167
• Round 5, pick 176
• Round 5, pick 178
• Round 6, pick 193

Cowboys needs:

OL/G - The Cowboys need to start the re-build of their offensive line and the biggest hole on the roster right now is left guard. Expect the team to fill that and add another offensive tackle at some point.

WR - Michael Gallup’s recovery timetable is still unsure, and behind him and CeeDee Lamb there is not enough depth. The Cowboys will want another receiver that they can grow for the future.

LB - There is Micah Parsons, but he spends some time on the defensive line. Leighton Vander Esch is back on a one-year deal. Behind those two are question marks. Dallas desperately needs depth at the position.

TE - Dalton Schultz is on a one-year deal currently, and the depth of playmaking tight ends on the roster is almost nil. They need something for 2022 and the future.

EDGE - You can always use pass rushers, and the Cowboys lost Randy Gregory. They have bodies on the roster, but adding a future piece is still enticing.