2011 NFL Draft Results: What Tyron Smith Means for the Dallas Cowboys

With the ninth pick in the 2011 National Football League Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Tyron Smith from USC.

Not sexy and maybe not that popular but the Cowboys did what they needed to do in drafting the super athletic offensive lineman from USC.

There is debate as to whether Smith will swap sides with current right tackle Doug Free but that’s a debate for another day and another article.

What does this pick say about Dallas and their position within the NFC East? Obviously double J chose Smith to start and if he does stay on the right side then he’ll face some fierce pass rushers next season.

The New York Giants, while slightly overrated, still have a very formidable defensive front and so will the Eagles.

Last season the ‘Boys lost quarterback Tony Romo for the year after he was crushed by Giants linebacker Michael Boley, the result of a blown assignment by a Cowboys fullback.

Dallas struggled with only 41 passing yards and 187 passing yards against the Giants and ended up losing the contest 41-35. Smith can provide more stability to the line as the Cowboys already have a great running game and a strong passer in Tony Romo.

Instead of Dallas falling behind early in the race to win the division and to grab a playoff spot, his presence alone may have aided the ‘Boys in winning their first game against NY.

Dallas had the same type of problem with the Philadelphia Eagles last season as they struggled to start a consistent run game and Jon Kitna tossed two interceptions. While this was a tough game for Philly to grind out, remember Dallas played well for Garrett, they still needed assistance on the offensive line.

Also, let's not forget the issues Alex Barron had against Brian Orakpo and his attempts to twist his neck off.

While I’m not naive enough to believe that Smith will solve all of the Cowboys issues on the line, I do believe that he will be a significant upgrade over Marc Colombo.

Calling on Tyron at No. 9 may be the deciding factor in the battle to win the tough NFC East.