Tyler Guyton appears set to keep the Cowboys’ left tackle job after a camp challenge, with Tyron Smith guiding the former first-round pick in Oxnard.
Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyler Guyton entered training camp with his starting job under serious scrutiny.
After one padded practice in Oxnard, however, the former first-round pick appears to have regained control of the position.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer previously announced that Guyton would compete with Nate Thomas for the starting left tackle role.
That was an alarming development for a player entering Year 3 after being drafted to become Dak Prescott’s long-term blind-side protector.
Now, as was the subject of Wednesday's Dallas Cowboys Daily Blitz on FanStreamSports.com, Schottenheimer has indicated that Guyton is expected to win the competition and remain in the starting lineup.
That raises an obvious question: Was this ever a real competition?
The Cowboys clearly wanted Guyton to win the job. Publicly placing him in a battle with Thomas may have been less about replacing him and more about delivering a message.
Dallas needed more urgency, consistency and physicality from Guyton, and apparently the threat of losing his position helped create a response.
Guyton insists the competition didn’t change his approach.
“Same equation,” Guyton said. “Come to work every day and get better.”
He also called it friendly competition, saying internal battles bring out the best in players. That’s the professional answer, but the pressure surrounding Guyton is very real.
First-round offensive tackles aren’t drafted to remain development projects. They’re expected to become foundational pieces.
Fortunately for Guyton, one of the best possible mentors has arrived at exactly the right time.
Former Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith has repeatedly appeared around the offensive line during the offseason and training camp.
Guyton jokingly referred to Smith as “Gold Jacket,” noting that the future Hall of Famer shows up whenever he wants.
More importantly, Smith has been sharing his knowledge with Guyton and the rest of the offensive line.
“There’s not really much that you can’t learn from a guy like Tyron Smith,” Guyton said. “He knows everything about football, especially the left tackle position.”
Smith’s presence could be invaluable. He understands the technique, pressure and physical demands required to protect a Cowboys quarterback.
He also knows Dallas fans expect excellence at left tackle ... not occasional flashes.
Guyton may have survived the training camp challenge, but winning the job isn’t the finish line. He must prove he can protect Prescott consistently once the real pass rushers arrive.
The Cowboys wanted Tyler Guyton to respond. Now they need him to deliver.
