Offensive lineman will finally get some love on the NFL awards ballot. Which Dallas Cowboys protector has the best shot at winning the award?
It's about time offensive linemen get some more notoriety around the NFL.
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They play some of the most demanding positions on the field, but are hardly ever recognized appropriately.
The league is hoping to change that with a new addition to the regular season awards ballot this year. Alongside mainstays like MVP and Defensive Player of the Year will be "Protector of the Year".
The award will annually honor the season's best lineman and be voted on by a panel of former great O-lineman from across NFL history.
Yes, only one lineman will receive the honor each season. With at least five playing regularly on each team ... that makes for a loaded competition pool.
This encouraged Pro Football Network to highlight one player on each team who has the best shot at winning the award in its inaugural season.
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To no surprise, the Dallas Cowboys lineman picked was left guard Tyler Smith. He was ranked the 11th-most-likely contender for the award across the entire NFL.
"After the retirement of Zack Martin, the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line is Smith's group now," the article said.
"He's been a Pro Bowler each of the last two years and should be in the mix for Protector of the Year, especially if the Cowboys' passing attack fares well with Dak Prescott throwing to the tandem of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens."
The names listed above Smith were Penei Sewell, Tristan Wirfs, Jordan Mailata, Creed Humphrey, Trent Williams, Rashawn Slater, Quinn Meinerz, Chris Lindstrom, Laremy Tunsil and Joe Thuney.
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Dallas' first-rounder from 2022 has been nothing short of exceptional, starting every game he's been healthy for since joining "America's Team".
At just 24 years old, Smith was acknowledged earlier this offseason as one of just two offensive lineman named to the top 25 under 25 list that showcases the league's best young talent.
This season, Smith will look to lead a very inexperienced offensive line protecting QB Dak Prescott. The longest-tenured player in the projected starting lineup is five-year pro Terence Steele, with Smith being the next oldest.
If he continues his exceptional play, not only will the Tulsa product be in the running to walk away with a new award, he could be expecting a major pay day in his rookie extension.
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Winning the Protector of the Year award would go a long way in making that happen and solidifying Tyler Smith's odds of being the next great Cowboys lineman.
Related: Cowboys Make Official $21 Million Decision on 2-Time Pro Bowler
Related: Cowboys Experimenting with Offensive Line Versatility
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
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