(Editor's Note: In the upcoming weeks before the start of training camp, the staff of DallasCowboys.com is looking to answer the 20 biggest questions facing the team heading into the 2024 season. Today, the staff writers continue the series with a look at first-round pick Tyler Guyton.)
11) When does Tyler Guyton take over starting LT?
Nick Harris: I think the necessity would be that Guyton takes over in time for week one in Cleveland. If he doesn't, would the Cowboys be more comfortable starting Chuma Edoga or Matt Waletzko against Myles Garrett at the staunch Browns defense? I think that would be tough to stomach unless either has an impressive training camp and preseason that surprises some people. Guyton's physical skillset will be perfect for that kind of matchup, but his experience of just 14 starts in college will definitely keep the concerns present until he proves himself on an NFL field.
Mickey Spagnola: Well, the Cowboys probably hope by the end of training camp, so they can put together a starting five on the offensive line in time for at least one preseason game, if not two. But again, they won't just hand the starting job to Guyton. He must earn it. And some will depend on how Chuma Edoga is performing on a daily basis during camp once the pads come on. Emphasis on once the pads come on because hard to evaluate offensive linemen play without pads, and that won't happen until July 30. Bet best evaluation will take place on Aug. 8 during the scrimmage with the Rams in Oxnard.
Nick Eatman: First day of training camp. Seriously, that's when he should take over - ready or not. Let's not forget the quarterbacks wear red jerseys for a reason - they're not to be hit or touched. So my point is, if Guyton struggles early on trying to block Parsons or Tank or even Sam Williams, at least it's not going to hurt your quarterback, just maybe the flow of the offense. But he's got to learn on the run. I'll never forget watching DeMarcus Ware destroy Tyron Smith on a daily basis back in 2012 in camp. But by the end of the season, Smith was in the Pro Bowl. Guyton might not be the best left tackle on July 24 when we start camp but the more reps he gets, the better chance he has to being ready to play in Week 1.
Kyle Youmans: Some may think he's already taken the starting job. Others, believe it won't happen for him as a rookie. I'm somewhere in-between. There's really no one else that can answer that question other than Tyler Guyton himself. He has every avenue to win that starting job by the time Dallas returns from training camp and begins their preparation for the season opener. That's where I personally think he'll win it. However, Mike McCarthy and the offensive staff has a safety net behind him in the form of Chuma Edoga, who allowed three sacks over 420 snaps last season. Because of this, Guyton will have to show a level of consistency throughout training camp to really solidify what some already believe…that he's the starting left tackle for the 2024 Dallas Cowboys.
