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NFL: Best 10 players 25 or younger

By Phil Watson

Nov 24, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the second quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the second quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 22, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) prepares to block against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) prepares to block against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Tyron Smith, T, Dallas Cowboys

Tyron Smith, who turns 24 on Dec. 12, has been just about everything the Dallas Cowboys were hoping after taking the USC tackle with the ninth overall pick in 2011.

Smith spent his first season at right tackle, starting 16 games, and was moved to Tony Romo’s blind side, the left side, in 2012.

He emerged as a Pro Bowler in 2013 and was tied for seventh by Pro Football Focus (subscription required) among offensive tackles in 2013 with an overall grade of 22.5 after allowing just one sack and three quarterback hits in 1,023 snaps.

He had three games last season—all in the last five weeks of the season—where he didn’t even give up a quarterback hurry.

Those numbers are down from eight sacks in 2011 and three in his first year at left tackle in 2012, so he’s been improving rapidly.

Given his age and the fact he’s already got three years’ experience, Smith is a guy one can see as an anchor on the offensive line in Dallas for the next 12-15 years.

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