When Tyler Guyton was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys, it was with the idea that he would be the left tackle of the future for the franchise.
For a team that had gotten used to elite play at that position from Tyron Smith over the course of 13 seasons, the standard was high for a player who entered the NFL with just 14 career starts at the college level.
In year one, that standard was far from being reached. In addition to giving up six sacks and 26 pressures in 11 starts, Guyton’s 14 penalties were tied for the second-most among all players in the NFL last season.
“I’m not going to make any excuses,” Guyton said on Thursday. “I got a lot to prove, I got a lot to work on. I didn’t do too good last season. It already happened, it’s in the past. I’m going to move forward from it and learn from my mistakes.”
From cutting out things in his diet such as fried food to putting a big focus on his flexibility this offseason by stretching in his garage every night for at least an hour, the intention from Guyton has been clear going into year two. It’s something that has his head coach excited for what could come in 2025.
“Tyler Guyton was one of the first guys back in the building [this offseason],” Brian Schottenheimer said. “He understands how important this year is for him. Not just for him, but for our football team. He looks great and he’s playing at a high level right now, going up against some good speed rushers.”
“It’s a blessing to be spoke of highly,” Guyton said about his head coach’s comments. “But that’s what I expect of myself.”
As Guyton watched from the gallery this offseason for two retirement press conferences for a pair of elite offensive linemen in Zack Martin and Tyron Smith, he used the opportunity to learn and apply their processes to his own.
“I’ve figured out a lot about what I need to do to take care of my body to play at a high level,” Guyton said. “I’m also just following the guys that have played before me. Their routine is very important, I feel like I’ve learned a lot.”
The fruits of Guyton’s labor won’t be truly seen until the Cowboys hit the field for their season opener in September against the Philadelphia Eagles. But as his intention increases as the offseason powers on, he has shown his desire to improve from a lackluster rookie campaign.