The Dallas Cowboys took a major risk with their 2022 NFL Draft first-round pick on Thursday night, selecting offensive lineman Tyler Smith out of Tulsa. While he played left tackle in college, there is a good chance he will begin at left guard while potentially kicking back outside later in his career. Even so, there has been a lot of criticism surrounding the pick, especially on social media.
Smith was asked about the criticism during his introductory press conference on Friday afternoon. He said the media is something he tries to tune out but also gave a hilarious response when it comes to people’s opinions.
“I try to stay away from the media,” Smith said. “I feel like everybody has an opinion. Just like buttholes, everyone has one.”
Head coach Mike McCarthy, who was sitting next to the first-round pick, was there to react as well. He seemed to be a fan of Smith’s mentality, claiming the phrase was “awesome.”
You can watch the full moment here.
New Cowboys OL Tyler Smith on criticism about his game: “I try to stay away from the media. I feel like everybody has an opinion. Just like buttholes, everyone has one.”
(Video: @dallascowboys) pic.twitter.com/8D5R5sfpDZ
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 29, 2022
Smith was the last offensive tackle in the first round, with four others going before him. He’s a player that emerged recently for Dallas after having a few positions of need. Offensive line was one, for multiple reasons, and the Cowboys are hoping Smith can fill those immediately.
Mel Kiper rips Dallas Cowboys for Tyler Smith selection
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper ripped the Tyler Smith selection, saying the offensive lineman 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.
“In the NFL, he’s a penalty waiting to happen until he’s coached up. Maybe he won’t be ready this year, but it’s up to the offensive line coach with this football team with the Cowboys to get him ready to be that right tackle. If he’s ready as a rookie, that’s remarkable coaching because he’s got work to do. But the talent, guys, is in abundance and you’ve got to love the physicality with which he plays.”
