The NFL offseason always brings with it a flurry of rankings, predictions, and debates—some insightful, others controversial. Among the most debated lists each year is the ranking of the league’s top 25 players under the age of 25, a showcase of rising stars expected to define the next decade of football. These rankings carry more weight than just clicks and conversation—they help set the tone for media narratives, Pro Bowl nods, contract expectations, and even Hall of Fame discussions down the line. That’s why when a player as dominant and polished as Dallas Cowboys guard Tyler Smith is left off the list, the omission sends ripples across both fan bases and league analysts alike.
Smith, who entered the NFL in 2022 as a first-round pick out of Tulsa, has done nothing short of exceeding expectations in his first two seasons. Thrown into the fire as a rookie after perennial Pro Bowler Tyron Smith went down with injury, Tyler Smith shifted from left guard to left tackle seamlessly—something that’s not just rare for a rookie but almost unheard of. He was battle-tested early and often, holding his own against the likes of Aaron Donald and Haason Reddick, earning praise from coaches, teammates, and commentators. And when Tyron returned, Tyler slid back to guard without complaint or drop-off. That kind of versatility, humility, and excellence is the foundation of an All-Pro career.
By his second season, Smith had solidified himself as one of the best guards in football. He was selected as a second-team All-Pro and helped anchor one of the most potent offenses in the league. According to PFF (Pro Football Focus), Smith ranked among the top interior offensive linemen in both pass-blocking efficiency and run-blocking grades. For a young player still under 25 years old, those numbers are a clear sign that he’s not only developing at an elite level but has already arrived.
So, how does a player with Smith’s resume—All-Pro honors, elite grades, versatility across the line, and a key role in one of the NFC’s top teams—get left off a list of the top 25 players under 25?
The simple answer may be that offensive linemen, especially guards, are still underappreciated in today’s NFL media culture. Flashy wide receivers, dual-threat quarterbacks, and sack-happy edge rushers dominate headlines and highlights. Even cornerbacks and safeties, who make eye-popping interceptions or bone-jarring hits, get more public recognition than interior linemen. In a league obsessed with speed, scoring, and spectacle, the trench warriors often become footnotes rather than focal points.
But that’s a shortsighted view—especially in a modern NFL that has seen the rise of elite guards like Quenton Nelson, Joel Bitonio, and Zack Martin (Smith’s teammate and mentor), who have not only reshaped what fans expect from interior linemen but have become cornerstones of their franchises. Smith fits that mold to perfection. He’s strong, technically sound, and incredibly athletic for his size. More importantly, he has the kind of mental makeup coaches dream of: smart, coachable, disciplined, and tough. He doesn’t just block defenders—he erases them.
What makes Smith’s snub even more puzzling is the context around the Cowboys’ offensive success. In 2023, Dallas had one of the most balanced and explosive offenses in football. Quarterback Dak Prescott had a bounce-back season, finishing near the top of the league in passing yards and touchdowns. Running backs found success behind consistent blocking, and receivers flourished with ample time to get open. None of that happens without dominant line play—and Smith was central to that dominance. Offensive line may not light up fantasy scoreboards, but every play begins with them. Tyler Smith was the difference between a collapsing pocket and a clean platform. Between a two-yard gain and a breakout run.
His absence from the list also invites deeper reflection on the criteria used to evaluate young NFL talent. Is it purely based on stats? Hype? Positional value? Draft pedigree? If the goal is to identify the best under-25 players based on actual performance, upside, and consistency, then Smith’s exclusion becomes indefensible. There are players on the list with potential, yes—but potential is not production. Some made it off of flashes. Some off of future projections. Smith, by contrast, has delivered results every time he steps on the field.
This isn’t just a Cowboys fanbase overreacting to a perceived slight. Neutral observers and analysts have taken notice too. Former offensive linemen turned analysts have pointed to Smith as one of the most promising young trench players in years. Film breakdowns highlight his quick feet, violent hands, and rare ability to recover from bad leverage. Veteran defensive linemen who’ve faced him on Sundays have spoken publicly about how difficult he is to beat. That kind of respect is earned, not given—and Smith has earned it at every turn.
One possible explanation for the snub is the lingering stigma attached to guards not being as “valuable” as tackles. Historically, left tackles protect the quarterback’s blindside and command massive contracts, while guards are seen as interchangeable. But that mindset is rapidly changing. Defensive coordinators have become more creative, sending pressure up the middle and exploiting interior mismatches. In response, the value of elite guards has skyrocketed. The best teams in football today invest heavily in their interior offensive lines, and Smith represents the gold standard of that trend. He’s not just a good young guard—he’s an elite one.
There’s also the angle of team spotlight. While the Cowboys are no strangers to media attention, their offensive line often gets lumped into generalizations. “The Cowboys have a great O-line” is often said without individual attribution, as if they’re a faceless unit of uniform excellence. But within that group, Smith has emerged as the next great name, carrying the torch from Zack Martin and Tyron Smith into a new generation. And yet, the nuance of his rise gets buried under the broader narrative. It’s a case of being lost in the greatness of the whole, rather than standing out in isolation.
If the top 25 under 25 list aims to capture the future faces of the league, then it must be willing to reward not just the flashy but the foundational. Players like Tyler Smith aren’t just cogs in the machine—they are the machine. They’re the reason quarterbacks stay upright and run games stay alive. They may not be on every highlight reel, but they make those highlights possible.
Smith’s snub is disappointing, but it’s also motivating. If there’s one thing that defines his career thus far, it’s the ability to respond to challenges with quiet dominance. He doesn’t chase headlines—he earns respect. And as the 2025 season approaches, he’ll once again have the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong. With Zack Martin nearing the twilight of his career, Smith is poised to become the anchor of the Cowboys’ line and the heir to the legacy of elite offensive line play in Dallas. That’s a role he’s already embraced and excelled in.
In the grand scheme, a snub from a list is just that—a snub. It doesn’t erase film, it doesn’t negate production, and it certainly doesn’t define a career. But it does reveal where attention is focused—and where it needs to shift. If NFL analysts and fans want to genuinely recognize the best young talent in the league, then they must be willing to look beyond the box score and highlight tape. They must recognize the quiet greatness of players like Tyler Smith, who do the dirty work that makes football function.
As the season unfolds and the spotlight returns to the field, don’t be surprised if Smith once again silences critics—not with words, but with pancake blocks and pocket protection. Because in a game built on inches and grit, it’s the unsung heroes in the trenches who often make the biggest difference. Tyler Smith may not have made the top 25 under 25 list—but when it comes to building a team to win on Sundays, he’s one of the first names you’d want in the huddle.
