By Jon Machota / Special Contributor
jmachota@dallasnews.com
3:36 pm on June 18, 2012 | PermalinkTyron Smith’s summer of praise continued Monday as the Cowboys’ newly appointed left tackle placed well on a list of top offensive linemen.
In an attempt to project who will be the top tackles, guards and centers three years from now, former Cleveland Browns scout and current Scouts Inc. writer Matt Williamson compiled a list of who he thinks will be the top 15 offensive linemen in 2015.
Smith, who excelled at right tackle during his rookie campaign, was in the conversation for the top spot but ultimately finished second to Miami Dolphins left tackle Jake Long. Smith was the only Cowboys linemen to crack the top 15. The Cowboys also didn’t have a player on the list of 19 honorable mention candidates.
“Smith was sensational in his rookie season last year at right tackle,” Williamson wrote. “Wisely, the Cowboys will move him to left tackle with Doug Free heading over to the right side.
“I was tempted to put Smith at the top spot on this list, but after only seeing one season (on the right side), I felt like Long was the safer choice for three years down the road. Plus, Smith didn’t even play left tackle in college, as that job belonged to Matt Kalil (listed below) at USC. But Smith was a very special player as a rookie with remarkable movement skills, leverage and the ability to recover once beaten.
“Bill Callahan is among the league’s best offensive line coaches, which should make Smith’s transition and maturation much smoother.”
Callahan said last month the he has “never had anybody like” Smith, largely because of the 21-year-old’s strength and explosiveness. Those reasons, along with having a 6-5, 311-pound frame are why the coaching staff believes Smith will be just as successful on the left side.
Last season, Smith started all 16 games and was selected to the All-Rookie team by the Pro Football Writers of America.
jmachota@dallasnews.com
3:36 pm on June 18, 2012 | PermalinkTyron Smith’s summer of praise continued Monday as the Cowboys’ newly appointed left tackle placed well on a list of top offensive linemen.
In an attempt to project who will be the top tackles, guards and centers three years from now, former Cleveland Browns scout and current Scouts Inc. writer Matt Williamson compiled a list of who he thinks will be the top 15 offensive linemen in 2015.
Smith, who excelled at right tackle during his rookie campaign, was in the conversation for the top spot but ultimately finished second to Miami Dolphins left tackle Jake Long. Smith was the only Cowboys linemen to crack the top 15. The Cowboys also didn’t have a player on the list of 19 honorable mention candidates.
“Smith was sensational in his rookie season last year at right tackle,” Williamson wrote. “Wisely, the Cowboys will move him to left tackle with Doug Free heading over to the right side.
“I was tempted to put Smith at the top spot on this list, but after only seeing one season (on the right side), I felt like Long was the safer choice for three years down the road. Plus, Smith didn’t even play left tackle in college, as that job belonged to Matt Kalil (listed below) at USC. But Smith was a very special player as a rookie with remarkable movement skills, leverage and the ability to recover once beaten.
“Bill Callahan is among the league’s best offensive line coaches, which should make Smith’s transition and maturation much smoother.”
Callahan said last month the he has “never had anybody like” Smith, largely because of the 21-year-old’s strength and explosiveness. Those reasons, along with having a 6-5, 311-pound frame are why the coaching staff believes Smith will be just as successful on the left side.
Last season, Smith started all 16 games and was selected to the All-Rookie team by the Pro Football Writers of America.
