Like what you saw out of the Cowboys’ rookie offensive tackle Tyler Smith? You wouldn’t be alone.
ESPN had its NFL Nation reporters do a re-draft of the 2022 NFL rookie class, and there were plenty of shakeups. Smith was one of the big winners, even if it meant the Cowboys lost out on their young, promising tackle.
Smith, originally taken at the No. 24 slot in the first round by the Cowboys last year, skyrocketed to No. 6. In this scenario, he’d be a Carolina Panther. The Panthers originally drafted Ikem Ekwonu, another offensive tackle who had a solid debut season. Smith was just a little better, only allowing seven sacks to Ekwonu’s eight.
But where would that leave the Cowboys in this alternate universe? ESPN had Dallas picking up cornerback Kaiir Elam at No. 24. There were still offensive line options available, but Elam had two interceptions for Buffalo and Dallas’ depth at cornerback was exposed after losing Jourdan Lewis and Anthony Brown.
The Cowboys’ second-round pick was interesting in the redraft as well. Dallas originally took Sam Williams, who didn’t appear in the re-draft. This time Dallas takes guard Kenyon Green. This makes up a little bit for not selecting a guard in the first round. Green went in the first round to the Texans in actual, real life.
How much of a difference would this have made on the Cowboys’ season? Considering Brock Purdy went to the Jets at No. 4 in this re-draft, maybe the Cowboys would have had a better chance against the 49ers, or played a different team entirely.
Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.