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Cowboys take a tackle

Tyron Smith

In this Oct. 16, 2010 handout photo released by the University of Southern California, USC offensive lineman Tyron Smith (70) blocks against California during an NCAA college football game in Los Angeles. Smith is a top prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.(AP Photo/University of Southern California)

AP

The Dallas Cowboys have beefed up their offensive line.

Tyron Smith, an offensive tackle from USC, is the Cowboys’ first-round draft choice, going off the board ninth overall.

The Cowboys waited until the last second to turn in their card, and they appeared to be working for a trade. But eventually they decided to go with Smith, who has great feet and should be ready to start as a rookie.

Smith was a right tackle, not a left tackle, at USC, and it’s not clear which side he’ll play on in Dallas.

It’s the first time the Cowboys have chosen an offensive lineman in the first round of the draft in the 22 years Jerry Jones has owned the team.