Mailbag: Should Smith stay at left tackle?

(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)

I've been so excited to see Tyler Smith at left tackle. I know that left tackle is normally thought of as the most important offensive line position, and Smith is our best offensive lineman. Do you see the Cowboys moving him there in 2026 and searching for his replacement at guard? – Steve Stroup/Farmington, MO

Kurt: Part of the reason Smith is lining up at left tackle these last three games is simply out of necessity. With Tyler Guyton on injured reserve and Nate Thomas battling injuries as well, the Cowboys offense needs to make sure Dak Prescott stays protected.

As far as Smith's future, we talked about this very subject on our Hangin' With the Boys podcast, where we have the benefit of getting insight from a six-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro and three-time Super Bowl champ who played both guard and tackle during his career with the Cowboys.

According to Nate Newton, Tyler Smith can be a very good tackle … but he's a great guard. In fact, he's now earned his third straight Pro Bowl invite, becoming just the sixth guard in franchise history to be honored at least that many times. In addition, he has to be on the short list of players being considered for All-Pro status, if not this season then in the near future. And he's still only 24 years old.

Playing guard is like fighting in a phone booth. It's pure power and immediate contact. On the other hand, playing tackle can be a dance of sorts, obviously requiring more footwork and quickness to cover the outside. Sure, Smith played tackle in college and can be a dependable tackle in the pros, especially if he gets more experience on the outside. But he absolutely excels in the phone booth, which is so vital.

Because while being strong at the ends of the offensive line is important, don't underestimate the need to be a true wall on the interior. If the inside isn't solidified, both the passing and run games will struggle. They need Smith providing that inner barrier.

So ideally Guyton or Thomas develops further, or the Cowboys find someone else who can play left tackle. That way they can keep Smith at guard and let him (and the offense) be great. Just like Nate.

Nick: No, I think he's a left guard. Actually no, I know he's a left guard and we all know that. Not only is a guard, but an All-Pro guard. And that was Tyler's quote the other day when asked about it. "I'm an All-Pro guard, bro." I think that tells you his stance on the matter.

Sure, he can play tackle. He's quick enough, smart enough and has the strong hands to get by and slow down the speed rushers. But ultimately, it's not his best position and everyone knows it, including him. Larry Allen, Nate Newton, Zack Martin - they all could play tackle and did at one point. But their best position is guard and that's where they ended up. That's what I think Tyler should do as well.