Tyler Guyton doing ‘everything we can possibly do’ to help with move to left tackle

Cowboys first-round pick Tyler Guyton isn’t taking any shortcuts as he prepares to take over the left tackle spot in Dallas. Ahead of OTAs, the former Sooners star opened up about the work he’s been doing to switch from right tackle, where he played at Oklahoma, to left tackle.

“We’re polishing my technique, becoming a better o-lineman anyway that I can,” Guyton said. “We all have the same common goal and that’s to maximize me as a player. Everything we can possibly do to make me better is what we’re doing.”

Whether Guyton plays left tackle or right tackle, he’ll have top-shelf guards to help him along in Tyler Smith and Zach Martin. Smith is just a year removed from doing what the former Oklahoma star will attempt to do, which is start at left tackle in Year 1.

“That was the most exciting thing for me, honestly,” Guyton said of playing beside Tyler Smith. “I get a guard that’s a dog. I love how he plays. Love how we’re in the same situation as him last year and I feel like we’re going to thrive together. I love his nasty edge and his ferocious mentality and hopefully, I can piggyback off of him.”

The Dallas offensive line allowed a five-year high of 39 sacks on quarterback Dak Prescott last season. However, with their new first-rounder in the mix, they could see big improvement soon.

Guyton ready to aid America’s Team

Playing for the Cowboys has been a lifelong dream for Guyton. After the draft, during which Dallas snagged him with the No. 29 overall pick, he described the full-circle moment of seeing the Cowboys’ star up close for the first time. 

“I feel like that comes off of being a Dallas Cowboys fan my whole life,” he said. “Walking into that meeting and seeing that Star on these dudes’ hats. It was a full circle moment for me because I’ve been growing up watching the Cowboys play every single Thanksgiving. And I as a young man didn’t think that was going to be me but now it’s me. I couldn’t be more excited.” 

Adjusting to the pace of play and the dominant forces opposing him on the defensive line will be key for Guyton, and he’s working with third-round pick Cooper Beebe to acclimate as best as he can.

“Most definitely (we’re leaning on each other), it’s new for both of us,” Guyton told reporters last week. “We came from the same conference. I already knew who he was and we were pretty cool before this but now that we’re together, we’re pretty tight now. Going over plays together, doing whatever we can.”

The Cowboys begin OTAs on Tuesday. It’s a four-week long program that includes 10 individual practice days. Mandatory minicamp is up next from June 4 through June 6.