Tyron Smith ranks as No. 2 OL for 2015

July, 5, 2012
7/05/12
11:53
AM CT
When it comes to building for the future, the Cowboys made a smart choice in 2011 by drafting Tyron Smith in the first round. Smith started 16 games at right tackle, but his future was geared toward the left side.

Smith was told following last season that he was moving to the premium spot on the line, left tackle, and Doug Free was moving to the right side.

ESPN's Matt Williamson has projected the best offensive linemen for the 2015 season. No. 1 was Miami's Jake Long. Smith, coming off his rookie season, was No. 2.

You have to be an ESPN Insider to read the entire piece. It's worth it.

Here's a snippet of what Williamson said about Smith:
"Smith was sensational in his rookie season last year at right tackle. Wisely, the Cowboys will move him to left tackle with Doug Free heading over to the right side. I was tempted to put Smith at the top spot on this list, but after only seeing one season (on the right side), I felt like Long was the safer choice for three years down the road."

Smith is the only Cowboys offensive linemen ranked of the 15. None were honorable mention.

The Cowboys tackles might be a strength in 2012, especially for running backs such as DeMarco Murray who like to run off the edge from time to time. Protecting Tony Romo is of importance and having Smith as the anchor is key.
Calvin Watkins joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He's covered the Cowboys since 2006 and also has covered colleges, boxing and high school sports.

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