Zack Martin’s retirement this offseason marked the end of an era in Dallas. But the Cowboys don’t have to look far for their next anchor up front because Tyler Smith is already making that leap.
Smith is just 24, but you wouldn’t know it from how he’s viewed around the league. According to ESPN’s latest interior offensive line rankings, he’s now seen as the second-best interior lineman in the NFL, with only Creed Humphrey ranked above him.
How Did Tyler Smith Jump to Second Among NFL Interior Linemen?
Smith didn’t just sneak onto the list. He came in hot, leapfrogging from an honorable mention in 2023 to No. 2 overall in 2025. It’s a serious nod from a group that included NFL coaches, executives, and scouts, many of whom placed him first or second on their ballots.
“Most physically gifted guard in the league who could legitimately be a top starter at LT if they wanted to play him there,” one general manager told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “Strong, athletic, nasty, and cut his holding penalties in half last year.”
That assessment aligns with Fowler’s evaluation of Smith’s potential impact.
“Replacing Martin in Dallas is a tough task, but Smith has the ability to do just that,” Fowler wrote.
The praise doesn’t stop there. An NFL coordinator said, “If he gets his hands on you, it’s over.”
However, it’s not just raw traits that got Smith this recognition. The 2022 first-round pick also cleaned up his game in Year 3. Smith went from 10 penalties in 2023 to just four in 2024, and only one stuck. That’s a clear sign of growth, especially for someone with an aggressive edge.
One defensive line coach didn’t hold back: “Best guard in football. Perennial Pro Bowl guy. Quick explosive, violent, strong hands, above-average pass pro, can reach second level.”
With praise like that from across the league, it’s clear Smith has already established himself as more than just Martin’s replacement. He’s become Dallas’s new cornerstone up front, raising bigger questions about the team’s direction.
What Does This Mean for the Cowboys’ Future?
When the Cowboys took Smith out of Tulsa, they imagined him eventually replacing Tyron Smith at left tackle. That didn’t quite happen. But instead of shifting elsewhere, Smith settled in at left guard and became a foundational piece.
He’s been to two Pro Bowls and earned second-team All-Pro honors in his second year. The Cowboys picked up his fifth-year option this offseason, keeping him under contract through 2026.
With Martin gone, Smith is the guy up front now. Smith played over 1,000 snaps in 2024 and allowed only three sacks on 614 pass-blocking reps. It’s hard to argue with those numbers or with the tape.
If he keeps playing at this level, don’t be surprised if Dallas hands him a new contract redefining the interior linemen market. Honestly? He might already be worth it.
