Coming from college football to the NFL is never easy. Whether you are a top draft pick or a seventh-round pick, the journey is the same. You have to put in the work, maintain your strengths, and develop new ones.
That is exactly what Cowboys first-round pick Tyler Guyton realized and has fully embraced heading into his rookie year.
Guyton came out of Oklahoma as one of the best offensive line prospects in a class that was very top-heavy at the position. For the former Sooner, he faced a different challenge than his classmates, he had to switch offensive line positions. Guyton played right tackle at Oklahoma but the Cowboys drafted him to play left tackle.
That change can be very hard for some, but Guyton has faced the challenge with the right mindset and gave himself an offseason workload to ease the transition with the help of offensive line guru Duke Manyweather.
"Every day. Every day, I didn't take a trip. I didn't go on vacation. I stayed and worked with Duke every single day. For one, I got stronger. I toned up my body and also refined my technique within my set and my balance."
Pairing a rookie up with a proven veteran seems to always allow for players to have a leader who they can look up to and work like. The team new that and made him locker mates with All-Pro guard Zack Martin and Guyton says that has helped him realize what it takes to find sustained success in the NFL.
"I think the biggest thing is the routine, with how great [he is], and even though he's a 10-year guy, he's still doing things like he's a first-year guy — taking every day like it's his last."
The Cowboys' offensive line has proven before that it can be the straw that stirs the drink for the offense. They have Martin and Tyler Smith, who proved himself as a rookie in 2023. The offensive line has a chance to be what it was just a few years ago.
It could mean the difference between winning the NFC East in 2024 or being in the basement.
