Final week, the Nationwide Soccer League introduced its awards poll would have an additional addition this upcoming season. The league launched that it might be debuting a brand new award to honor the league’s high offensive linemen.
The award, named The Protector of the 12 months by the NFL, can be determined yearly by a panel that features quite a few former standout NFL linemen, in response to NFL.com.
The competitors to win this award can be fairly steep, as just one lineman in all the league will stroll away with the honour at season’s finish. With that thought in thoughts, Pro Football Network launched an article final week detailing one lineman from every staff who may very well be a candidate to win the award in its first yr.
For the Dallas Cowboys, PFN chosen 24-year-old Tyler Smith. The 2-time Professional Bowler was an apparent choice for the Cowboys, as Smith has been probably the most productive linemen in all of soccer since getting into the league in 2022.
Right here’s what PFN has to say about why Smith may very well be a severe candidate for the award.
11) Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Smith
After the retirement of Zack Martin, the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line is Smith’s group now. He’s been a Professional Bowler every of the final two years and needs to be within the combine for Protector of the 12 months, particularly if the Cowboys’ passing assault fares properly with Dak Prescott throwing to the tandem of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
Whereas there isn’t a denying that Smith is likely one of the most gifted linemen in all of soccer, it should doubtless be an uphill battle for him, or any guard, to win the award over a few of the league’s high tackles. Gamers like Lane Johnson, Penei Sewell, Rashawn Slater, and Trent Williams might have an edge over Smith strictly based mostly on the place they play.
Nonetheless, if guards are given legit consideration to win the award, there isn’t a one within the league extra primed to obtain the honour than Smith. The 24-year-old continues to get higher each season within the league and, as PFN talked about, would be the anchor on Dallas’ offensive line that’s seeking to have a bounce-back yr.
He might not find yourself taking residence the award, however it looks as if a great guess that Tyler Smith can be a severe candidate for the Protector of the 12 months honor each season transferring ahead.
