7. Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys
Next up on our list, is Collins’ teammate down in Dallas. While Collins is relatively new to the tackle position, Tyron Smith has been a bulwark there for the Cowboys for years. Drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Smith began his career on the right side before moving to left tackle in 2012, and he has been the Cowboys’ starter there ever since.
Over eight years at left tackle, Smith has allowed just 19 credited sacks. That includes one in 2018 and one again in 2019. That is extremely impressive for a left tackle. He did allow 23 quarterback hurries in 2019, his most allowed since 2013, as well as 30 quarterback pressures (again his most since 2013), which sees him slide a bit in these rankings. But not too far.
It does not take too much film study to find examples of Smith executing at a high level. On this play against Khalil Mack – and the dreaded “wide-9 technique” – watch as Smith mirrors the athleticism from the pass rusher with great footwork and a tremendous kick slide:
Check out the awareness and recognition here against the Philadelphia Eagles. Smith fans out off the snap in the direction of the defensive end, but when Vinny Curry drops into coverage, Smith immediately snaps inside to pick up the interior rusher, and stops Tim Jernigan cold:
It’s hard to run off-tackle if you don’t have a good tackle. Watch what Smith does on this outside zone running play:
Smith checks so many boxes at the offensive tackle position, that if you wanted to make a case for him atop your tackle rankings, you are absolutely free to do so.