Tyron Smith: Why He Will Emerge as the NFL's Best Tackle in 2012

The Dallas Cowboys selected USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith with the ninth pick in the 2011 NFL draft. That pick represented the first time Jerry Jones had ever selected an offensive lineman in the first round of the draft.

Not only do I love Smith's game, but the Cowboys absolutely made the right pick.  At 6'5" and 315 pounds, Smith is quite a physical specimen.  He has long arms, good strength, is solid in both pass protection and run blocking and was able to be a day-one starter for the Cowboys in 2011. 

I will admit that Smith needed to clean up his footwork and technique with Hudson Houck, but this kid is 21 years old and still learning.  His ceiling is off the charts and if you combine that with his work ethic, which has been well documented, Tyron Smith has the makings for long-term All-Pro status. 

Let's document a little further why his rise to the top will start in 2012.

Proven Starter from Day One

After being selected ninth overall many expected Smith to start, but as is the case with any rookie, he needed to prove himself.  He did just that.  He started all 16 games as a 20-year-old rookie, held his own against some of the most elite defensive ends and gained invaluable experience in the process. 

He basically held up over the course of the season and was able to play through a few injuries as well.  This showed me that not only was he durable, coachable and mentally tough, but that he was able to be relied upon. 

He played up to the level of his expectations.  At times he did struggle with bull rushes and technique, but what was most impressive was the improvement he showed week after week.  I actually thought he had a shot at being a pro bowler.

Athletically Gifted with High Ceiling

Aside from the fact that Smith is currently only 21 years of age, he was basically able to play on sheer athletic ability and be successful.  What's even more impressive is that he didn't have the benefit of any OTAs or a full training camp. 

As I mentioned earlier, the athletic gifts he possesses are a testament to his work habits and it translates to his performance.  Legendary offensive line coach Hudson Houck, in an article featured on ESPNDallas.com, was quoted as saying, "He is a tremendous worker and a very good person. He’s going to be an outstanding player in this league.” 

That's why the Cowboys are moving him to left tackle so they could utilize his talents even more.

He will become Tony Romo's best friend in 2012.

As good a rookie season as Tyron Smith had, offensive linemen in general really don't receive much glory.  Most people go with the notion that games are won in the trenches and that would be a true statement by all accounts.  What bigger asset to protect than your quarterback. 

During 2011 it became more and more apparent that Smith was better than Doug Free.  Free struggled frequently in 2011, had a hard time living up to the expectations that come with a big contract and as a result will be moving to right tackle with Smith moving to the ever so crucial left tackle position. 

Knowing that he will protect Romo better than Free should give Cowboys fans great comfort.  I know it does for me.

He will continue to improve the running game.

In 2010 the Cowboys running game finished 16th overall and in 2011 they finished 18th.  Although that stat seems disappointing on its own, the Cowboys were on a pace to significantly break closer to the top 10 in the running category before DeMarco Murray was lost for the season. 

By the last few weeks of the season we were counting on Sammy Morris to make contributions in our running game and Felix Jones was less than 100 percent as well.  With DeMarco Murray set to be the starter from day one in 2012 and Felix Jones as the No. 2, Smith and the Cowboys will, in my estimation, be able to field one of the best running games in the NFL. 

This will only be aided by the upgrades they will make on the rest of the offensive line.  Smith will take over  as the leader of the offensive line and it will reflect in the statistics as well. 

Work Ethic  

Tyron Smith's work ethic has been a big factor in his performance that dates back to his college days.  You simply don't gain All-American status, top draft billing and rising NFL superstar accolades by being lazy. 

Tyron Smith has improved every year since his freshman campaign at USC and that translated over to his rookie season.  You can actually see it in his play and in his body language.  He simply looks more physically fit than most lineman out there.  His work ethic has been well documented and when you acquire those habits it usually comes with success.

For Tyron Smith I see the brightest of futures.  He just may be the single-most important building block of the future that the Cowboys have on their roster.  After amassing an impressive rookie season he will take 2012 by storm and catapult not only our running game, but his status as the best tackle in football to the top.