FRISCO, Texas — Jerry Jones held up the color-coded paper and asked: “Can you see that?”
The Cowboys, the owner asserted, had graded their newest player higher than a pair of prospects fans widely expected and preferred at the 24th overall selection of the 2022 NFL draft. What better way to corroborate his claim than by flashing the team’s typed-up draft grades to reporters and a live-streaming news conference as proof?
“Don’t show them that!” Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said, swatting his father’s arm. “Put that thing down.”
The Cowboys selected Tulsa offensive tackle Tyler Smith after entertaining three trade offers to move down, they said. The team praised Smith’s position flex along the line, describing him as a “left-side position player” who will compete at left guard, where Dallas has a starting vacancy, and left tackle, where aging perennial Pro Bowler Tyron Smith has encountered injuries in his 30s.
Tyler Smith played in 25 games, starting 23, in three years at left tackle for Tulsa. He said the Cowboys didn’t discuss his position specifically during a private workout and pro day film session but that he’s up for the challenge to become more versatile.
“I played tackle in college, but I’m willing to play wherever they put me,” Smith said by phone. “I’m going to take the coaching and I’ll practice it all.”
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NFL DRAFT WINNERS,…
