Rising Star: Tyler Guyton Sets the Standard for Rookie Linemen
The Dallas Cowboys have struck gold with their first-round pick, Tyler Guyton. The rookie left tackle, selected 29th overall, is already making waves both on and off the field. Guyton's intelligence and confidence have quickly set him apart in a league where such qualities are often hard to find in newcomers.
It didn't take long for Guyton to adapt to the Cowboys' system. "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 Cowboys' quarterback Dak Prescott, recalling a team jeopardy night where Guyton showcased his mental sharpness.
Guyton's football journey began at the University of Oklahoma, where he started 13 of his 14 collegiate games at right tackle. However, during training camp with the Cowboys, it was evident that his transition to the left side of the line was seamless. In a padded practice, Guyton even managed to stonewall defensive phenom Micah Parsons, earning praise from head coach Mike McCarthy: "I thought he had some nice reps against Micah."
Besides the physical grind, Guyton also brought energy and a sense of camaraderie to the table. He participated in a rookie karaoke session, performing "Mary Jane" by Rick James, a song he described as "a song that everybody knows is groovy and that would work."
However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Guyton faced an illness that caused him to miss three practices in a row. Even in adversity, his resolve remained unshaken. "I'm feeling better, for sure. I'm just under the weather, working my way back now," Guyton shared, participating in a limited capacity during his first practice back from illness.
Guyton's development has been significantly aided by his fellow Texan and left guard, Tyler Smith. Smith, who himself has set high standards, has taken Guyton under his wing. "He's helped me out a lot. He's like a big brother to me," said Guyton. For Smith, Guyton's potential is immense: "The sky truly is the limit for him and his development."
Smith is also awed by 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," Smith remarked with admiration.
Prescott believes Guyton's key to success lies in being his own person. "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."
Facing a tough challenge in surplus talent and pressure to perform, Guyton’s journey with the Cowboys will be closely watched. "Going up against him, even losing, helps me out," Parsons admitted, highlighting the mutual improvement between the burgeoning stars.
The Cowboys have a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams on the horizon, an opportunity for Guyton to further cement his status and showcase his unique blend of skill and intelligence. As Prescott aptly put it, "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."
Tyler Guyton's predecessor was the seasoned Tyron Smith, a prominent name in Cowboys history. However, the expectations surrounding the rookie are tempered with an understanding that Guyton will carve out his own legacy. The Dallas Cowboys are optimistic that Tyler Guyton will significantly bolster their offensive line, contributing to the team's lofty ambitions for the season.