Frisco, Texas – The NFL Draft began Thursday night with 13 consecutive offensive players selected, including six quarterbacks. It caused quite a stir, with several key players still on the board. As expected, the Cowboys acquired Tyler Guyton in a 24-29 trade. DallasCowboys.com staff writers take a look at this pick and how it came about.
Nick Eatman: I'm not going to lie. I had drafted Graham Burton with number 24. I think there's something to be said for him getting the best player at the position, especially the one he needed. But the Cowboys were thinking more long-term about Guyton. Guyton probably needs to develop a bit more, but the premium position advantage usually wins out. The first thing that scared me was the lack of a starting role for Guyton, who has played in only 14 games. But I actually scoffed at the acquisition of Amarius Mims from Georgia, who has played in only eight games in his career. If he can play, he can play – and the Cowboys believe Guyton can do it. He has the length and legs of a tight end, making him a great left tackle fit. I also believe this move not to acquire Barton shows how much the Cowboys like Brock Hoffman and TJ Bass as potential center candidates.
Patrick Walker: They did exactly what I expected and predicted they would do (in the mock draft). They traded back to the Detroit Lions and acquired the 73rd overall pick in the first round with an attacking line. Tyler Guyton is a former tight end who brings plenty of athleticism to the offensive tackle position and has a frame that doesn't move around easily. And while he needs to be more consistent in run blocking, the strength and footwork are definitely there, and his pass protection is some of the best seen in this draft class.
nick harris: There were other tackles the Cowboys could have tried at the top, but the upside for Tyler Guyton is sky-high. Guyton, relatively new to playing football after growing up playing basketball, is still relatively immature, and that's what excites Mike McCarthy. He'll need a crash course before he can start day one at left tackle, but once he can develop under Mike Solari, he has the potential to be an All-Pro and a Cowboy in a few years. It's going to make Z look pretty smart.
Mickey Spagnola: Let's remember this.The Cowboys drafted 24 players.th In the first round of the NFL draft.I'm 24 years old now, not even 15 years old.th. Only 13 people made it to the first round. They settled on trading down for no less than the seventh-best offensive tackle selected Thursday. That's how they ended up acquiring the somewhat inexperienced Tyler Guyton from Texas, who played at the University of Oklahoma. But here's the key to this first-round pick. What will they do with the third-round pick they received from Detroit in a trade from the 24th to the 29th? That's the key to this trade down. When you don't have a fourth-round pick, you have to let your third-round pick shine. You could attack a keeper there or use that pick to get a player at the position you just had to get to move up to the second round. Tyler Guyton should be judged that way initially.
