The Dallas Cowboys selected University of Southern California offensive tackle Tyron Smith with the ninth pick in the 2011 NFL draft. It was the first time Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had ever selected an offensive lineman in the first round of the draft. I absolutely love this pick. Here are five reasons why the Cowboys made the right choice.
5. Offensive linemen are the quarterback's best friends
Offensive linemen get no glory. They rarely score touchdowns. Fans don't buy their jerseys (stores may not even sell them). However, offensive linemen are very important because they protect a team's most important asset: the quarterback. Losing your quarterback in football is like losing your queen in chess; it becomes very difficult to win. That's exactly what happened to the Cowboys in 2010. Their weak offensive line led to an injury to starting quarterback Tony Romo. In the game, New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley hit Romo after running right through the offensive line untouched. Romo broke his collar bone on the play and was sidelined for the rest of the season. Tyron Smith is an excellent pass blocker. He immediately strengthens the offensive line. That's good news for Tony Romo.
4. Offensive linemen make the entire offense better
Good offensive lines lead to good offenses. That's because offensive linemen make the players around them better. Offensive linemen stop the pass rush and give the quarterback time to throw the ball. They also give the receivers time to run their routes. Linemen block for running backs. They plow holes through the defense so running backs can gain yards. They also block players up the field to create running lanes. Tyron Smith is capable of doing all of this for the Cowboys.
3. Tyron Smith can produce now
Prior to the draft, the Cowboys needed an offensive lineman. They drafted the best one in Smith. He can step in as a starter and make an immediate impact for the Cowboys. He instantly adds depth to the Cowboys' offensive line. The Cowboys have the personnel to compete for a Super Bowl now. Smith can contribute to the team right away and make them even better.
2. Drafting an offensive lineman in the first round is a safe bet
Selecting the top offensive lineman in the draft is usually a no-brainer. Former top draft picks Jake Long, Joe Thomas and D'Brickashaw Ferguson have turned out to be pretty good offensive linemen.
1. Tyron Smith can play football
The number one reason why I like the Cowboys' top draft pick is that Tyron Smith can play football (video). He has freakish athleticism for a man of his size.
I can't wait to see Tyron Smith suit up for the Cowboys' first game. I expect him to make an immediate impact on the team. I hope he turns out to be as good as the other Smith who ended up in the NFL Hall of Fame.
Edwin Torres has been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys since the days of Tony Dorsett and Roger Staubach. He enjoyed watching the Dallas teams of the '90s dominate opponents on both sides of the ball. Living in New Jersey, he is sandwiched between Giants and Eagles fans. But that has never deterred him from being a fan of America's team.
Sources:
Todd Archer, "Cowboys select USC OT Tyron Smith," ESPN Dallas/Fort Worth
Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.
