Dallas Cowboys: What Tyron Smith Pick Means for Free, Offensive Line

In the first round of the NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Tyron Smith, as expected.

What does this mean for the 'Boys and the current state of their offensive line?

First, the Cowboys got the highest-rated tackle in the draft. Smith is an excellent pass-blocker who could help to keep Tony Romo upright next season.

They also get an athletic player who can get to the second level in run blocking, which the Cowboys had trouble with last season. Smith is not as polished in the run game as he is in pass protection, but he has all the physical tools to get out in space and push defenders off the ball.

Lastly, they get an injection of youth along an offensive line that has been aging for a couple of seasons now.

The Cowboys will benefit greatly having two talented tackles.

That other talented tackle is Doug Free, whom the 'Boys selected in the fourth round a few seasons ago. Now that the Cowboys have what many consider to be the best left-tackle prospect in the draft, what do they do with their current left tackle who played well last season?

When asked which position the Cowboys liked him at, he confirmed that they wanted him to play on the left side. It was unclear whether or not he would play there this season or in the future, but it sounded like it would happen sooner rather than later.

Free played excellently in the right-tackle spot in 2009. They Cowboys will likely try to move him back to that side so that Smith can take his spot.

However, Free will likely be a free agent under the new CBA rules. If the Cowboys try to move him to the right side, a position that typically pays far less than left, he may test the waters of free agency and go play left tackle for another team for a bigger paycheck.

If that happens, the Cowboys could be right back where they started: one good tackle on an aging offensive line.

It might be best for everyone involved if the Cowboys keep Smith at right tackle for his first year; otherwise, they could be missing out on resigning arguably their best lineman from last year.