Cowboys executive explains drafting Tyler Smith over Tyler Linderbaum

The Dallas Cowboys decision to select Tulsa offensive tackle Tyler Smith in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft has come under heavy scrutiny since the moment commissioner Roger Goodell announced the pick. The franchise continues to defend its process at every turn, even taking time to compare the players drafted before and after their turn.

During a radio appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys vice president of player personnel Will McClay addressed a question asking why the team chose Tyler Smith over Tyler Linderbaum, who was selected one pick later.

“Linderbaum is a really, really good player,” said McClay, via The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “I don’t want to discount his ability for anything. But when you look at what you’re trying to build, certain players fit into certain schemes better. That’s why people’s draft boards look different. That’s why people will have – the New England Patriots drafted the guys from UT-Chattanooga (Cole Strange) because you see something in that player that fits you better than what outside forces think. What is important for us is to be able to move people in the run game and be able to anchor in the pass game.

“You look at the size, speed and athleticism of the defensive linemen that are coming into this leagye now, the Philadelphia Eagles drafted a big giant (Jordan Davis) that runs a faster 10 than some receivers. You look at the physical measurements and those things and kind of devise your plan based on that and how you want to play.”

Mel Kiper on Tyler Smith selection

The Dallas Cowboys had to fill a need on their offensive line during the 2022 NFL Draft. They found their man in Tyler Smith with the No. 24 overall pick — but ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. didn’t seem too sold on him.

Kiper ripped the selection, saying Smith needs some coaching if he wants to be a successful offensive lineman in the NFL. He admitted there’s plenty of talent in there, he thinks the Tulsa product will be a project for the Cowboys to develop.

“Tyler Smith just made sense,” Kiper said. “He’s a left tackle, he’s going to be a right tackle. That’s the hole that needs to be filled. Another guy who needs coaching. We talked about a lot of mean, nasty linemen this year. I think this has been the best year for that. That’s Tyler Smith. This guy will beat you up.

“But technique, hand placement, not good. First step, not good. He’s got to settle in, he’s got to be coached up, get much better technique. Plays big, he’s powerful. He’s 6-4 and a half, 324 pounds with incredibly long arms. Guard tackle in high school. Sloppy right now. Had 16 penalties — he grabs, he holds. Even at the collegiate level where you can get away with a lot of stuff, he couldn’t get away with it.”