Cowboys former first-round pick has to improve to avoid dreaded bust label
Cowboys former first-round pick has to improve to avoid dreaded bust label The 2024 first-round pick was benched last season, but Dallas is giving him a second shot to protect Dak Prescott's blindside.
Tyler Guyton didn't sugarcoat his rookie season performance. He didn't blame injuries... he didn't hide behind coaching turnover... he owned it.
That level of mindset is a positive one to hear, especially for a first-round pick who's already facing questions about whether he can live up to his draft status. Bleacher Report's Matt Holder recently included Guyton on his list of 2024 First-Round Picks Who Must Bounce Back in 2025 to Avoid Bust Label, a nod to just how steep the expectations remain in Dallas.
"I didn't do too good last season, I want to do better, I want to be the guy that can be depended on," Guyton told reporters. "I'm not gonna make any excuses, I just didn't play as good as I needed to last year. I'm coming with a different attitude this year to become a better player."
Guyton, selected 29th overall out of Oklahoma, struggled in both pass protection and the run game. He gave up six sacks, drew 18 flags, and posted a sub-50 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. By the end of the year, the Cowboys benched him in favor of veteran Chuma Edoga.
The team made it clear during this offseason's activities they're giving the second-year tackle another chance. Despite a shaky debut, Dallas didn't bring in a veteran to challenge him, instead opting to develop from within. That includes 2023 fifth-rounder Asim Richards, who saw limited action last season, and rookie Ajani Cornelius, who may need time to adjust to the pro level.
The trust in Guyton is there, but so is the pressure to step up at a spot still looking to replace future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith.
Dallas is still chasing a championship in what feels like the twilight of their current Super Bowl window. With a core that has multiple spots up for grabs, and a quarterback in Dak Prescott who will be 32 and coming off a season-ending hamstring injury, the margin for error is razor thin. And on a line that lost stalwart Zack Martin, who retired this offseason, Guyton stepping up is essential to a young line on a young team looking to return to postseason form.
The Cowboys are betting that mindset shift, and another offseason under his belt, will be enough to solidify him as their left tackle of the future. If not, head coach Brian Schottenheimer and his staff could be forced at trying any of the other options waiting in the wings. But make no mistake, the job is still Guyton's to lose.
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