Jerry Jones comments on future of Tyron Smith after Cowboys selected Tyler Smith in NFL Draft

Jonathan Wagner

Tyron Smith Cowboys — Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

The Dallas Cowboys had one pick in Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft, and they used it on an offensive lineman. Dallas selected Tulsa offensive lineman Tyler Smith with the No. 24 overall pick. Following the pick of Tyler Smith in the draft, some began to question the future of Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith.

Following the Cowboys’ selection, owner Jerry Jones was asked about the future of Tyron Smith. In Jones’ eyes, Smith’s days with the Cowboys are not numbered, and he remains as a part of the team’s plans down the road.

“We believe he has a lot of tread left,” Jones said of Tyron Smith, via Machota.

Tyron Smith was selected with the ninth overall pick by the Cowboys in the 2011 NFL Draft. He has been with the team ever since, mainly serving as the Cowboys starting left tackle. In his 11-year NFL career, Smith has played in 144 games, all of which were starts. He has earned eight Pro Bowl appearances, also picking up two First Team All-Pro honors and two Second Team All-Pro Honors.

Smith has been limited to just 13 games over the past two seasons, and he has not played 16 games in a season since 2015. With 17 games now on the regular season schedule, his health has become even more of a question mark. But now, it appears that the plan is to keep him around for the short and long term.

Many have questioned the Cowboys’ selection of Tyler Smith in the NFL Draft

Coming into draft weekend, most viewed Tyler Smith as a second-round prospect, but that didn’t stop the Cowboys from taking him in Round 1. The pick was met with a lot of criticism and surprise throughout the NFL ranks.

Smith likely needs some time to truly develop and reach his true potential, but the Cowboys love the high-end upside. He has played both tackle and guard, providing some needed versatility on the offensive front.

Most likely, Tyron Smith will continue serving as the Cowboys left tackle as Tyler Smith develops. But if there’s a need somewhere else on the offensive line, Tyler Smith could find himself playing some right away.