The Dallas Cowboys’ selection of Tyler Booker with the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is already being hailed as a major win for the franchise. Coming out of Alabama, Booker brought a reputation as one of the most technically sound and physically dominant offensive linemen in the class, and early indications suggest he could become an immediate impact player. With the retirement of legendary guard Zack Martin, the Cowboys had a glaring hole on their offensive line, and Booker is widely seen as a perfect successor to carry on that legacy of elite interior line play.
Booker, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 325 pounds, was a two-year starter at left guard for the Crimson Tide. In the 2024 college football season, he allowed only two sacks on nearly 1,000 pass-blocking snaps—a stat that stands out given the high level of SEC competition. His low 0.8% blown-block rate speaks to his consistency and focus, while his leadership qualities—he served as a team captain—only further raise his value. These traits make him not only a strong addition on the field but also a locker room presence the Cowboys can build around.
Will McClay, the Cowboys’ VP of player personnel, has drawn favorable comparisons between Booker and Zack Martin, calling the rookie a “seamless fit” at right guard. That level of confidence from the front office shows just how high the organization is on Booker. With the offense needing more stability after a disappointing 7-10 season and questions swirling around Dak Prescott’s future, a strong offensive line is key. Booker’s arrival could help jumpstart the Cowboys’ run game and offer Prescott more time in the pocket—both areas of concern last season.
Not everyone was initially thrilled with the pick, though. Micah Parsons, the Cowboys’ All-Pro linebacker, appeared frustrated on social media when the pick was announced, fueling speculation about locker room tension. Parsons later clarified his comments, explaining that his disappointment stemmed from a desire to bolster the defense—not any issue with Booker himself. That clarification has helped smooth over what could have been a brewing controversy.
Draft analysts have largely praised the pick, with most grading it in the B+ to A- range. The consensus is that Booker addresses a key need with a high-upside player who is both NFL-ready and still developing. However, some critics argue that the Cowboys missed an opportunity to select a playmaker, such as a wide receiver or defensive back, to immediately boost the offense or improve a shaky secondary.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys hold two more picks on Day 2 of the draft, and they’re expected to target skill positions and defensive reinforcements. Still, the selection of Tyler Booker is being framed as the cornerstone of their 2025 draft class—a pick that could help stabilize the offense for years to come. If his college performance translates to the NFL, the Cowboys’ front office may have pulled off one of the smartest moves of the draft.
