While the first couple of waves of free agency have passed, it's never too late to upgrade the roster, something the Cowboys will try to do at the end of this month with the NFL Draft.
Even with that, the majority of the 2018 roster is already in place. In the coming weeks, the staff of DallasCowboys.com will preview those players, analyzing where they've been and where they're going.
Today, we continue the series with offensive tackle Tyron Smith.
Views of #77 Tyron Smith from the 2017-18 Regular Season.
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 19-3. (Ryan Kang via AP)
10 September 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 1 regular season 19-3 win over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Chaz Green (79) and Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 19-3. (Ryan Kang via AP)
10 September 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 1 regular season 19-3 win over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 September 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 1 regular season 19-3 win over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 September 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 1 regular season 19-3 win over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants linebacker B.J. Goodson (93) lines up against Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
16 September 2017: Tyron Smith of the Dallas Cowboys handing out food before departing DFW Airport for their regular season week 2 game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) blocking during second quarter action against the Denver Broncos in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver ,Colo. September 17, 2017. (Photo via Eric Bakke)
17 September 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
25 September 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
25 September 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
25 September 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) blocks Arizona Cardinals linebacker Markus Golden (44) during an NFL football game on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. Dallas won 28-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) in action during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cowboys defeated the Cardinals, 28-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) blocks Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Josh Mauro (97) during an NFL football game on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. Dallas won 28-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
01 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
01 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
DAL vs GB
DAL vs GB
DAL vs GB
DAL vs GB
08 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 5 regular season 35-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
DAL vs GB
08 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 5 regular season 35-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
08 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 5 regular season 35-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Green Bay Packers linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) and Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) face off during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
08 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 5 regular season 35-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
08 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 5 regular season 35-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
28 October 2017: Tyron Smith of the Dallas Cowboys departing for their game at the Washington Redskins at DFW Airport, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
DAL Vs KC
DAL Vs KC
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) during an NFL regular season football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won, 28-17. (Ric Tapia via AP)
05 November 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 9 regular season game 28-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
05 November 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 9 regular season game 28-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
05 November 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 9 regular season game 28-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys' Tyron Smith (77) faces off against Kansas City Chiefs' Frank Zombo (51) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
19 November 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
DAL vs LAC
DAL vs LAC
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) and offensive tackle La'el Collins (71) run onto the field prior to a week 12 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Los Angeles won 28-6. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
DAL vs LAC
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) runs around the edge in front of Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) during a week 12 NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Los Angeles won 28-6. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
23 November 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
23 November 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Sam Smith/Dallas Cowboys
23 November 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Sam Smith/Dallas Cowboys
23 November 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
23 November 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) and offensive tackle Byron Bell (75) looks on prior to a week 13 NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 38-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
30 November 2017: Tyron Smith (77) of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
30 November 2017: Tyron Smith (77) of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) blocks during a week 13 NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 38-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) blocks during a week 13 NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 38-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Washington Redskins linebacker Junior Galette (58) and Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) face off during an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
10 December 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 December 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 December 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 December 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 December 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 December 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) lines up on the line of scrimmage during a week 15 NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Oakland, Calif. Dallas won 20-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys guard Jonathan Cooper (64) and offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) block Oakland Raiders linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Oakland, Calif. Dallas won 20-17. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
17 December 2017: Tyron Smith (77)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
What's Been Good:
When he's healthy and on his game, it's easy to make the argument that Tyron Smith is the Cowboys' best player. For that matter, it's easy to make the argument that he's the best tackle in the NFL – especially now that Cleveland's Joe Thomas has retired. The Cowboys drafted Smith all the way back in 2011, and he has rewarded that pick with a string of dominance to the tune of five Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro nods, three of which were first-team selections. Smith's uncanny blend of size and athleticism has made him one of the most formidable members of the Cowboys' offense for the better part of a decade.
What's Been Bad:
The problem is that we've seen how bad the Cowboys can look without Smith, and we've seen it more often than we would prefer because of injuries. The problems first arose in 2016, when back issues forced him out of two games in the middle of the season. It wasn't a big deal, as Chaz Green performed admirably in his place and he finished the season without further issues. But 2017 was a different story. Smith began to deal with problems as early on as training camp, and the problem was persistent enough that it forced him out of practice for long stretches of the season. When Smith eventually suffered a groin strain against Kansas City, that was enough. He missed the next two games, and the offense subsequently fell apart. The offensive line couldn't protect Dak Prescott in lopsided losses to Atlanta and Philadelphia, and the Cowboys were never able to find their groove the rest of the way through the season.
2017 Highlight:
Ironically, Smith's finest performance could have been the one that eventually got him injured. The Cowboys hosted Kansas City in Week 9, and the Chiefs entered the game as one of the hottest teams in the first half of the season. Although the Kansas City defense boasted talents like Justin Houston, Tamba Hali, Chris Jones and Bennie Logan, the Cowboys completely stonewalled them. The Chiefs only managed one sack, which didn't deter a Cowboys' scoring drive, and they surrendered 131 rushing yards. It was one of the Cowboys' finest performances of the season.
What's Next:
That's a question that could shape the Cowboys' hopes at contention for the foreseeable future. Again, if Tyron Smith is healthy, their offensive line has a chance to be as good or better than any in the league. It can pave the way for Ezekiel Elliott, protect Dak Prescott and help the Cowboys' piece together one of the best offenses in the league. But will be healthy? For his part, Smith says he has worked himself into fantastic shape, and the Cowboys are optimistic he should be good to go in 2018. But they felt the same way in 2017, and it didn't work out. The front office signed Cameron Fleming to provide depth this offseason. But if Smith's injury issues are chronic and not easily overcome, it's enough to make you wonder if the Cowboys need to start worrying about the future of their left tackle position. It's not time to hit the panic button just yet, as Smith is just 27 years old. But make no mistake about it, his health is quietly one of the most important storylines for this team in 2018.
- One of the most valuable players on the roster when it comes to the overall success of the club.
- Dealt with varying injuries during the season that compromised his ability to preform at the level we're all accustomed to seeing from him. He worked hard with the training staff to manage those issues, but it was clear that at times he wasn't the same player.
- When on, there is no question that he's one of the best in the league. A dominant run blocker that plays with unmatched power and fluid grace. He can make those blocks that other offensive linemen can only dream about. As a pass blocker he is effortless in the way he sets and finishes.
- He thrives when he deals with outstanding edge rushers. The tougher the opponent, the better he plays.
- He has already been working hard in preparation for the upcoming season. Just recently he said that it was the best he had felt in a long time. As important as Smith is that should be great news for all involved.
