The Dallas Cowboys brass were excited about how things unfolded after Night 1 of the NFL Draft.
The Dallas Cowboys had quite the night during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. After moving back five spots and collecting an additional third-round pick, the Cowboys grabbed who they hope is their left tackle of the future in Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton.
Following the nights events Jerry and Stephen Jones, along side head coach Mike McCarthy, met with the collective media to discuss the night that was Round 1.
Cowboys discuss Round 1 of 2024 NFL Draft
The night was a success by all accounts. The team got a tackle like they had hoped they would, and were able to gain an addition draft pick to do so. They trusted their board when they decided to move and due to the fact that they had four guys left at the time they went on the clock, and felt good about falling back as a result, says Stephen.
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said team had four players it really liked when moving back five spots. Believed in board. “Certainly, that paid off for us.” pic.twitter.com/f3EifYjM5v
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 26, 2024
McCarthy echoed the same sentiment and was excited about the player more than anything,
Stephen Jones said the Cowboys had four players they really liked at 24, felt good about at least one still being there at 29. Tyler Guyton was one of those players.
Mike McCarthy: “God, what a great pick for us. This is a great add to our offensive line room.”
Jerry Jones:… pic.twitter.com/JtJhWGGxRG
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 26, 2024
Jerry summed it up in a way only he knows how to by stating, “This is a sexy pick for an offensive lineman, because he’s got a lot of upside.”
When given a chance to further elaborate on the new addition, McCarthy’s quick to point out Guyton’s athletic traits as a huge plus.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on new LT Tyler Guyton: “Gosh, you’ve got to be so excited about his athletic ability. …He’s got a tremendous ceiling.” 6-7 with excellent footwork. Wants to learn. O-line coach Mike Solari built rapport with him. Coaches in Oklahoma raved about him. pic.twitter.com/Nsf4RkTF2N
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 26, 2024
While the move to drop down and risk losing Guyton, and anyone else they may have coveted, was a bit of a gamble, it was something Jerry seemed to embrace as he knew what it meant for the rest of the draft for the team.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on the war-room deliberation at No. 24 overall: “We had four trades working at the same time.” They didn’t want to trade back too far. Lions gave them a third-rounder.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 26, 2024
The move was a strategic one, as the team understood they had a huge gap between pick 87 and their next one at 174, and the idea of picking up a third-round pick to just move five spots felt too good to pass up for Stephen and Co.
In addition to the value, it’s clear what the teams plans for Guyton are as they see him being their LT of the future.
“We’re happy to move Tyler [Guyton] out to LT and keep Tyler [Smith] where he is.” – Stephen Jones
And there it is. Tyler Smith, obviously, will remain at left guard where he has the opportunity to be Larry Allen-esque for the #Cowboys.
Edited: Work with me, folks.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) April 26, 2024
It’s clear the Cowboys decision makers are very happy with the way the night unfolded, and now they feel like they have a piece in place on the offensive line to grow with for years to come. Now with the rest of the draft ahead of them, one could wonder just what next is up their sleeves.
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