2011 NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys Select USC OT Tyron Smith

With the No. 9 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys select USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith.

Outside of Cam Newton going No. 1 overall, this was the most widely-expected pick. The Cowboys needed an offensive tackle, and Smith was the best available.

However, I feel like this is a reach. Right tackles can be found later in the draft, and that’s all Smith is. He is a road-grater with decent feet, but not good enough to move to the left side and will either be a starting right tackle or nothing. Of course, footwork can be worked on, but that will take some time.

If Smith can play right tackle for a couple years then switch to the left side, this isn’t a reach at all. But if Smith stays on the right side for his entire career, this will have likely been a reach.