The conversation around the Dallas Cowboys' interior line has intensified this offseason, with analysts and fans alike debating whether the partnership of Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker can claim the title of the league's best guard duo.
Smith, a three‑time Pro Bowl selection, already enjoys a reputation as the most highly compensated guard in the NFL, a testament to his consistent performance and upside entering his prime.
Booker, however, remains a work in progress; his PFF grade places him 16th among guards and 7th in run‑blocking, numbers that suggest he still has room to grow before the Cowboys can legitimately challenge the top duos.
The Numbers Behind the Rankings
When stacked against established pairings such as the Chicago Bears' Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, or the Atlanta Falcons' Chris Lindstrom and Matthew Bergeron, the Cowboys' combination sits third in current rankings but carries a ceiling that could eclipse them.
The assessment comes from a blend of traditional scouting and advanced metrics, with Pro Football Focus providing the data that underpins much of the current discourse.
Looking Ahead
If Booker can elevate his pass‑protection metrics and the tackle group can tighten its play, the Cowboys could see their offensive front shift from a promising unit to a championship‑caliber foundation.