Despite several of their most-mocked targets coming off the board ahead of them, the
Cowboys had plenty of options left with the No. 12 overall pick. (And they reportedly even
had a trade-down offer from Houston on the table. ) But when they finally turned in the card, it was for a player whose name seemed to pop up quite late in the process.
The Cowboys decided to stay in the trenches for the fourth straight first round, selecting Alabama guard Tyler Booker.
For many fans, Booker was nowhere on the radar until ESPN's
Peter Schrager picked him to go to Dallas in a Wednesday mock draft, saying league sources had suggested the team was leaning his way.
Having turned 21 just two weeks ago, the 6-foot-5-inch 320-pounder was a first-team All-American this past season for the Crimson Tide. At first glance, his arrival in Dallas certainly helps ease the loss of future Hall of Fame right guard Zack Martin, with Booker bringing a nasty attitude that led him to explain, "I make guys not love football anymore."
Whether Cowboys fans love him enough to accept the front office passing on more high-profile positions like wide receiver, cornerback, and running back remains to be seen.
So what are the Cowboys getting in Booker? Here's a sampling of what some of the major outlets had to say about him during the pre-draft process.
Dane Brugler, The Athletic
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A two-year starter at Alabama, Booker primarily lined up at left guard in head coach Kalen DeBoer’s run-heavy, RPO-based scheme. After an inconsistent yet promising first two years in Tuscaloosa, he had an All-America junior season as a critical team leader and made the key improvements NFL scouts were hoping to see.
In pass protection, you want your guards creating the depth of the pocket by answering and anchoring, which Booker does at a high level. In the run game, you want your guards driving and creating room with the intent of dominating their man, which Booker also does consistently. The next step for him is to continue developing his savviness to counter/reach high-end athleticism and blitzes that cross his face. Overall, Booker is built like a bull, with the play strength and finishing mentality to match. His average foot quickness, however, might not be ideal for every scheme. He projects as an immediate starting guard with the tools and competitive character that are easy to bet on.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
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Two-year starter and team captain with elite physical traits. Booker is a downhill run blocker with average explosiveness into first contact, but he utilizes his size and power to overtake defenders in the second phase of the block. He can play too far out over his toes but that’s correctable. Booker is an average athlete in protection but makes up for it with technique and football intelligence to defend against twists. He’s tough, smart and a top leader. The traits, football character and play strength will make him a good starter for a downhill, power-based attack.
Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team
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Alabama Crimson Tide offensive guard Tyler Booker projects as a powerful starter at the NFL level. His raw mass is impressive, and the power in his hands allows him to shine as a tone-setting presence on the interior.
Booker shines on inside run concepts, both as a puller and on vertical releases, to generate movement at the point of attack. Booker can solo 4i and 3-tech alignments and create wash to blow open holes in the running game. As a pass protector, he has tackle length and influence to go with a heavy anchor thanks to ideal weight distribution throughout his trunk and core.
He can continue to grow and develop with the nuances of pass protection and passing off rushers with his linemates to avoid leaky protection and take the next step with his game. In all, this two-year starter has a notable ceiling for a team ready to invest in power for their interior front.
Ian Cummings, Pro Football & Sports Network
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If you’re looking for a sturdy anchor at guard who can dish out punishment as well as he can absorb it, Tyler Booker is your guy. With a low center of gravity and a thick, well-proportioned frame, Booker is very tough to move at the point of attack.
His powerful lower half helps him neutralize power rushes along the interior, and his flexibility helps him maximize his power. Booker won’t necessarily wow you in space, though he did look a bit quicker after he lost weight before the 2024 season. His hand placement needs work, though there’s a lot to like in his game elsewhere.
Given his coordination, his length at guard, his IQ and stunt vision, and his power in a phone booth, Booker could end up selected in the middle of the first round. He likely won’t be targeted by wide zone teams, but he has the makings of a quality long-term starter in power, gap, and inside zone looks.
Wyatt Brooks, NFL Draft Buzz
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The physical tools and foundation are in place for Booker to make an immediate impact at the NFL level. His massive frame, natural power, and length project perfectly to the interior offensive line, while three years of high-level SEC competition have prepared him for the next step. His impressive development as a pass protector stands in contrast to his less refined run blocking, creating an intriguing evaluation for NFL teams.Booker's best fits will be in offenses that can maximize his advanced pass protection skills while continuing to develop his run blocking. His anchor and technical polish in pass pro suggest immediate contributions in passing situations, though teams will need patience as he refines his run game technique. His quick adaptation to scheme changes at Alabama demonstrates versatility that will serve him well at the next level.Look for Booker to compete for a starting role immediately with the ceiling to develop into a cornerstone guard. His combination of physical tools, technical foundation, and competitive fire give him Pro Bowl upside if he can bring his run blocking up to the level of his pass protection. A rock-solid Day 2 selection who should anchor an NFL offensive line for years to come.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys pick Alabama OL Tyler Booker: what his draft profiles say
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