In a strategic move during the NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys opted to trade back from their 24th overall pick on Thursday night. The team had been looking for a left tackle, and while there were several promising prospects available, they decided to move down the draft board.

According to Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner, there was an "80 percent chance" that the team wouldn't make a pick at 24. This decision was based on their confidence that they could still acquire one of their preferred prospects later in the draft.

When the Cowboys were on the clock, they had four players in mind: Tyler Guyton from Oklahoma, Jordan Morgan from Arizona, Graham Barton from Duke, and Darius Robinson, an edge rusher from Missouri. They believed that at least one of these players would be available if they traded back.

Jones emphasized the importance of doing their homework and knowing what other teams behind them might do. He mentioned a previous experience where he had lost a player due to a trade and didn't want that to happen again. The Cowboys received four trade offers for their 24th pick, but ultimately settled on the offer from the Detroit Lions.

By trading with the Lions, the Cowboys moved back only five spots and gained an extra third-round pick (73rd overall). However, the early part of the second round didn't go as planned, as Morgan, Barton, and Robinson were picked by the Packers, Buccaneers, and Cardinals respectively.

The Chiefs then made a trade to select Texas receiver Xavier Worthy, further shaking up the draft board. The Cowboys even contemplated trading again, but their trade partner chose a different direction. This left them with no choice but to proceed with their selection.

In the end, the Cowboys picked Tyler Guyton from Oklahoma. Although he primarily played right tackle in college, Guyton will transition to the left tackle position for the Cowboys, aiming to fill the void left by the departure of Tyron Smith. Smith, who was drafted by the Cowboys in 2011 and made eight Pro Bowl appearances during his 13-year tenure, signed with the New York Jets this offseason.

Guyton expressed gratitude for being chosen by the Cowboys and acknowledged the challenge of filling the shoes of a legendary tackle like Smith. However, he reassured fans that he would work tirelessly to perform at his best.

With the addition of Tyler Guyton, the Dallas Cowboys have taken a significant step towards solidifying their offensive line, ensuring protection for their new quarterback and paving the way for a successful season ahead.