What happened: Dallas Cowboys guards Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker were named the league's top guard tandem in an ESPN poll of NFL coaches, executives and scouts. Smith landed at No. 1 among all guards, while Booker earned an honorable mention after his rookie season. Dallas was the only team with two guards recognized on the list.
Why it matters: The nod validates Dallas's investment in its interior line, with Smith - a former No. 24 overall pick - now rated the position's best. Booker's honorable-mention finish in year one suggests the Cowboys could have two top-10 guards on the list next season.
By the numbers: Per Pro Football Focus, Smith has been flagged for 46 penalties across his four NFL seasons, including 11 in 2025 - the most among guards last season. Smith had 13 penalties in each of his first two seasons before cutting that number to nine in 2024.
What to watch: Smith and Booker head into Cowboys training camp with the recognition in hand, alongside notes from evaluators on Smith's penalty rate and Booker's difficulty against lateral movers.