The Dallas Cowboys went into the NFL Draft with the 24th overall pick, and many expected the team to take Duke center Graham Barton with the selection.

Instead, the Cowboys moved down from No. 24, swinging a trade with the Detroit Lions to acquire the 29th overall pick and a third-rounder (No. 73). Dallas also sent a 2025 seventh-rounder to the Lions in the deal.

The Cowboys ended up choosing University of Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton at No. 29, and while Dallas was widely criticized for passing on Barton to take Guyton, an NFL scout tells the NFL Analysis Network that the Cowboys actually made a good decision.

“Everyone is ripping into the Cowboys for their selection of Tyler Guyton. I’m on the opposite side of that fence,” the scout said. “Guyton has the potential to become an elite NFL tackle. This was a pick that Dallas nailed.”

Dallas had an obvious need at offensive line entering the draft, especially after losing mainstay left tackle Tyron Smith to the New York Jets in free agency.

For years, the Cowboys have had one of the staunchest offensive lines in football, but now, Dallas is not as dominant in the trenches as it once was.

The Cowboys deserve credit for addressing the issue, even if they chose Guyton instead of Barton. And who knows? Perhaps Dallas will be able to utilize the 73rd pick to fill another hole on the roster.

Jerry Jones and Co. have been lambasted all offseason for their lack of activity, so there is a magnifying glass on everything they do right now.

We’ll see if Guyton ends up being the correct pick for the Cowboys heading into 2024.

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