Like the Dallas Cowboys themselves, Tyler Guyton is struggling in his first year in the league. The thing is, he’s actually one of the bottom-ranked rookies if the latest NFL analysis is to be believed.
Guyton is facing a challenging start to his NFL career. Selected in the first round, expectations were high for the former Oklahoma Sooner, especially after he earned a starting spot following an injury to veteran tackle Chuma Edoga. However, Guyton’s performance has fallen short of those expectations in the early weeks of the 2024 season.
So far, Guyton has allowed 11 pressures, six quarterback hurries, and four sacks, placing him among the most penalized offensive linemen in the league. With seven penalties called against him—five of which were accepted—he leads all offensive linemen in infractions, which has raised concerns about his readiness for the NFL’s demands.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has expressed alarm over the frequency of penalties, highlighting the need for improvement. Transitioning from right to left tackle, especially while replacing future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith, adds to the pressure on Guyton. While his early struggles are not uncommon for young linemen, the spotlight is intense, and the Cowboys need him to adapt quickly.
NFL Analysis Ranks Dallas Cowboys’ Tyler Guyton As One of the Worst Rookies in the League
Just recently, Brent Sobleski’s NFL analysis for Bleacher Report highlighted the best and the worst rookies in the league this season. Among the latter, though, is Guyton.
“Rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton may or may not agree with the NFL’s officiating, but the number of penalties he and other Cowboys have already committed is “alarming,” Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said.
According to Natalie Miller of USA Today‘s Draft Wire, Guyton has been called for a penalty a league-high seven times. The blindside protector has also surrendered four sacks, which ranks among the league’s worst.
Early struggles aren’t entirely unexpected. Guyton is transitioning from right to left tackle while also filling the shoes of future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith,” Sobleski wrote.
Despite the rocky beginning, there’s optimism about Guyton’s potential. His physical attributes suggest he has the makings of a star left tackle. Fans and analysts alike are urged to remain patient; with more experience, Guyton could very well evolve into a key player for the Cowboys.
As the season progresses, he may find his footing and contribute significantly to the team’s success, demonstrating that early setbacks can often lead to future growth. If not, the Cowboys may have to find a way to cut Guyton from the roster before he ends up as dead weight.
