FRISCO, Texas — To say there's a lot on the line for the Dallas Cowboys and first-time head coach Brian Schottenheimer in the 2025 NFL Draft would be akin to pointing out how the surface of the sun is simply "kinda warm", because the fact is the organization has undergone sweeping changes within the staff and roster, and will also, again, depend heavily upon hitting on their picks to set themselves up for success.
And with their first pick, they believe they've fired the first cannon in the war to return to the Super Bowl, as offensive lineman Tyler Booker got the call on Day 1 in Green Bay.
Round 1: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
Three things to know:
- First-team All-American (2024)
- 2x First-team All-SEC (2023, 2024)
- Declined offers from Florida, Oregon, Ohio State and Georgia
Scouting Report + Fit:
Make no mistake about it, Booker is formidable.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 326 lbs. (per his Pro Day), his size and base alone make it extremely challenging for opposing pass rushers and run stoppers to move or get around him. Hailing from the Crimson Tide program, he's also very adept at protecting top-tier quarterback talent against pro-ready competition. Booker joins an offensive line in Dallas that waves goodbye to a retiring future Hall of Famer in Zack Martin, and instantly becomes the likely successor at right guard — combining with a promising young center in Cooper Beebe and, to Beebe's left, an All-Pro left guard and former first-round pick in Tyler Smith.
Booker's power is undeniable and his hands hit with the force of something once seen in a prime Tyron Smith or, more currently, Tyler Smith, often sending defenders into their own nightmares with his strikes. He is as strong in pass protection as he is in carving open run lanes and, for a team that's looking to be a force with their rushing attack, Booker's abilities make instant sense.
Though he isn't the most athletic prospect, he's exceptional with his technique, though most of his work was done on the collegiate level at left guard and, only as of late, at right guard, which is where you can pencil him in so, much like Beebe in the inverse, the Cowboys will find themselves transitioning a premium prospect to an alternate position.
By the way, he did not allow a sack in 2024.
As a related aside, the Cowboys' offensive line is becoming the law firm of Tyler, Tyler and Tyler, and this marks the third time in four seasons in which Dallas has selected an O-lineman with a first-round pick. The last time they did such a thing, it involved Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin.
A two-year starter at Alabama, Booker is experienced and NFL ready, for an offensive line that could certainly benefit from his presence.
