Tulsa’s Tyler Smith was a late riser throughout the draft process, and rumors began to swirl earlier in the week that Smith could be in the mix for the Cowboys in Round 1. The smoke was followed by fire, and Smith was the eventual choice for the Cowboys.
Evaluations on Smith can vary quite a bit depending on the analyst, so how did the Cowboys do by grabbing the 21-year old with No. 24 overall? The grades are in, and the majority of major outlets gave the Cowboys a positive score for the pick.
By all accounts Smith’s technique needs refinement, and he could easily have a steep learning curve in the NFL, but he has building blocks that can’t be coached, like his size, athleticism, and strength to move defenders in the run game. Many believe his biggest weaknesses in pass protection can be potentially mitigated by a move inside to left guard, which seems to be the exact plan for Smith.
A pick that undoubtedly comes with serious risk and serious reward, only time will if Dallas made the right choice, but that doesn’t the media from grading the perceived the value on draft night. Keep reading for nine media members’ instant opinions on the Cowboys latest first-round addition.