Oklahoma Sooners offensive tackle Tyler Guyton was an obvious standout during Tuesday’s Senior Bowl practice session. Guyton displayed the foot quickness and athleticism necessary to roadblock opposing pass rushers throughout one-on-one drills. An easy mover, Guyton won the majority of his reps in an environment that’s often slanted toward the defender.
I've spoken with NFL scouts who believe Guyton possesses the highest ceiling of any offensive tackle prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, and that includes Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu, two projected top 10 picks. With continued success at this week’s Senior Bowl, Guyton will cement his status as a first-round selection in April. With that in mind, we've identified three potential team fits for Guyton.
DALLAS COWBOYS
The Cowboys have to sort through some offensive line decisions this offseason. Eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith is currently scheduled to reach free agency. Even if the Cowboys re-sign Smith to a short-term extension, a succession plan must begin taking shape.
Right tackle Terence Steele was signed to a multi-year extension. Guyton has primarily played right tackle at Oklahoma but possesses every trait necessary to successfully play on the left side as well. The Cowboys retained head coach Mike McCarthy despite a premature postseason exit. The temperature on McCarthy's hot seat has been turned up to the nth degree. Given Guyton's performance ceiling, he could quickly develop into an immediate solution for the Cowboys.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
The Orlando Brown Jr. gamble hasn't quite paid dividends for the Bengals yet, but he'll likely return as Joe Burrow's blindside protector in 2024. Change is coming opposite Brown Jr., however. Starting right tackle Jonah Williams played out the 2023 season on an expiring contract and has long been thinking about opportunities elsewhere.
With Burrow under a bloated contract, and something similar soon coming for Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals lack the financial flexibility required to sign a free-agent offensive tackle to a big-money deal. Decision-maker Duke Tobin will instead be tasked with replacing Williams with a rookie on a cost-controlled contract. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor will appreciate Guyton's versatility and overall athleticism. Guyton should be a target with Cincinnati’s No. 18 overall selection.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
The Raiders finally got a coaching search right, elevating interim coach Antonio Pierce to the full-time role. Pierce is a no-nonsense, old-school, throwback leader who played a physical brand of football as a Super Bowl-winning linebacker with the New York Giants. I expect Pierce to prioritize trench play when teaming up with new general manager Tom Telesco to build out the Raiders roster in their shared vision this offseason.
Starting right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor may reach free agency after a subpar campaign. Eluemunor is a league-average tackle. Even if he's retained, the Raiders should add competition to the position. Kolton Miller has been a long-term solution at left tackle, and now it's time for the Raiders to pair him with an appropriate running mate. Guyton would be plug-and-play for the Raiders at No. 13. I wouldn't rule out Guyton getting drafted that highly, either.
