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Tyler Booker was selected four picks higher this year than Zack Martin was in 2014, but is it just me or was Martin actually more heralded coming into the draft? How would you compare the two at this point?– Bud Sloan/Oro Valley, AZ**
Nick: Right now, they're first-round picks, drafted by the Cowboys in the middle of the first round, both likely to play at right guard. And that's it - for now.
That's how they compare here in early May of 2025. Now, the projection is that Booker will be the right guard for years to come, and perhaps has a chance to be one of the best in the NFL. He's the first guard drafted this year among the entire league and so usually, that would suggest he's the best. And the best of this class, has a good chance of being a Pro Bowler down the line. If that happens, then yes he should compare to Zack Martin, who needed those accolades to be mentioned alongside Larry Allen.
As for traits, they're probably going to man the position a little differently. Both very athletic and can move in space, but Booker is a little stronger inside where as Martin was a solid with his technique as anyone in the league. But the goal is to get the front blocked and if Booker can do that remotely close to Martin, the Cowboys will have a phenomenal pick.
Kurt: Here's what Cowboys vice president of player personnel Will McClay said when asked this same question: "Our grades (on Booker) are very similar to what we had with (Martin). And then some of the character traits, there are a lot of things that are very similar. He's his own individual, but he's a grown-ass man like Zack is."
You can't get a much better answer than that. But the Cowboys apparently weren't alone. Back in 2014 when Martin was drafted 16th overall, NFL.com gave him a prospect grade of 6.4 while Next Gen Stats listed him at 88. Before Booker was selected 12th overall this year, he was given marks of 6.38 and 75, respectively.
And then there are these scouting-report snippets from the NFL website:
Martin: Athletic, smart, competitive, dependable … he has plug-and-play ability in a zone-blocking scheme. One of the cleanest prospects in this year's draft.
Booker: He's tough, smart and a top leader. The (elite physical) traits, football character and play strength will make him a good starter for a downhill, power-based attack.
So is Booker now on the road to Canton? That's not fair to say, but no one had Martin pegged as a future Hall of Famer 11 years ago either. Regardless, you have to like some of the comparisons.
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