Tyler Guyton, the Dallas Cowboys’ first-round draft pick, is emerging as a potential standout on the offensive line. Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 322 pounds, Guyton possesses the physical tools that made him a coveted selection at No. 29 overall in the NFL Draft. However, with great potential comes great expectation, and Guyton’s ability to transition from prospect to starter will be tested as the Cowboys inch closer to their season opener against Cleveland on September 8.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has praised Guyton for his impressive athleticism and the mindset required to lead an offensive line. With Chuma Edoga sidelined due to a serious toe injury sustained during the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Guyton has been thrust into a more prominent role, competing for the starting left tackle spot.
“I feel like when you think about it too much, it usually messes you up, so I’m just gonna go do the best I can and put my best foot forward,” Guyton said, displaying the mental fortitude needed to navigate the challenges of stepping into the NFL.
This week, Guyton took significant reps with the first team, including in a joint practice with the Rams. The sessions revealed both the potential and the areas of improvement for the young tackle. Guyton struggled during a live team period when he was called for holding against Rams first-round pick Jared Verse after being outmaneuvered on an inside move. However, he showed resilience, bouncing back in individual drills by successfully countering Verse’s spin move with quick footwork.
Schottenheimer, while acknowledging Guyton’s athletic prowess, also pointed out areas for refinement. “His ability to kick and slide and redirect is impressive,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s an amazing athlete. There’s some things we need to clean up with his hands and his punch and things like that.”
The learning curve for Guyton is steep, especially since his football journey began only in his senior year of high school. Despite his limited experience—29 games across four seasons at TCU and Oklahoma—Guyton is determined to maximize his practice reps. Thursday’s practice against teammate Micah Parsons, one of the league’s top pass rushers, highlighted that the road ahead will be challenging, but Guyton is ready to embrace it.
As the regular season approaches, Guyton’s development will be a critical storyline for the Cowboys. His progress in practice could determine whether he takes the field as a starter on opening day, but one thing is clear: Tyler Guyton’s potential is undeniable, and with continued growth, he could become a key piece of Dallas’ offensive line for years to come.
