Tyron Smith's starting to look like the top tackle -- but he might not get picked first. He's 20. He doesn't have the 52 career starts of Boston College's Anthony Castonzo, or the size and athleticism of 6-foot-8 Nate Solder of Colorado, but King is hearing more and more he has the most upside. Problem is, if you're a team with an immediate need at tackle, you're not taking Smith, because he might take a year or two to settle in. Source: Sports Illustrated
My only big issue with Smith is that he never played LT. His young age is not necessarily a big issue. Gives you a bit more time to develop him. With a team like the Cowboys....you don't have to plug him in there right away. Let Doug Free handle that spot for a year or so then slide Smith over to the left spot. Smith's ceiling is higher than any tackle in this draft. Offensive Line is usually more of a safer pick. I don't trust Castonzo to handle speed rushers.....especially in the NFC East.
He's a project LT, right now he doesn't have the experience or size to play LT in the NFL, it's going to take time and coaching - thus - project.
He won't play LT from the gate. He would be a decent Pass blocking RT at first and take probably 2 years to make it to LT, you don't draft guys like that in the top 10.
Who has him going top 10? Infact, who has any of this years tackles going top 10? I'd be surprised if Tyron Smith didn't go first simply because there's nothing special at the position. Castonzo and Carimi are safe, stable picks but aren't remarkable, and Solder's negatives are just as big as his positives.
I mocked Smith to Dallas back when the popular pick was still Prince Amukamara. Didn't believe it then.....don't believe it now. My hunch still has Smith going to Dallas.
