The Dallas Cowboys are starting to build for their future under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Part of that future is now offensive lineman Tyler Booker, whom Dallas picked with its No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday evening.
The Cowboys are desperately looking to get things back on track, starting this upcoming season. Dallas is coming off a 7-10 season that saw quarterback Dak Prescott go down with injury mid-season.
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Assuming Prescott will be full-go this season, the selection of Booker gives Dallas an instant replacement for former All-Pro offensive lineman Zach Martin. Booker, who helped protect the likes of Jalen Milroe and Bryce Young at Alabama over three seasons, can do the same for Dak Prescott.
Let’s take a look at how Booker fits in the Cowboys’ offensive line in 2025 and beyond.
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Why did the Cowboys draft Booker?
Although there were several mock drafts that had the Cowboys picking the likes of an offensive skill player like receiver Matthew Golden or even trading up to get a guy like Ashton Jeanty, Dallas went with a safe bet in Booker. It’s not the flashiest of picks, the move makes sense for several reasons.
For starters, Dallas desperately needs to find its replacement for Martin, who retired after 11 NFL seasons just last month. The nine-time Pro Bowler is a huge reason Prescott has been able to be successful when he stays healthy.
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Booker may not be ready to start and replace Martin right away, but his skillset as a pass and run blocker makes him good enough to at least see significant reps as a rookie. Booker primarily played left guard at Alabama, but he can make the switch to right guard with the Cowboys.
Secondly, the Cowboys have made it clear that Prescott is the focal point of their offense, awarding him with a four-year, $240 million contract before the 2024 season. While developing around him certainly helps, protecting him is most important to Jerry Jones and head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Plus, there’s no one stopping the Cowboys from selecting skill players in the later rounds of this draft.
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Lastly, the Cowboys have done a great job at drafting along the offensive line recently, with most of them panning out well. In fact, two of last year’s draft picks in Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebee are already full-time starters. So is Dallas’ 2023 first-round pick in Tyler Smith. With the addition of Booker, Dallas can continue that trend of having confidence in selecting offensive linemen high.
Booker isn’t the flashiest first-round pick for the Cowboys. But it’s a safe bet that helps protect this team’s biggest asset in Prescott, who will need to stay healthy entering 2025 and beyond.
Cowboys offensive line depth chart
Here’s a look at Dallas’ current offensive line depth chart with the addition of Booker:
| Position | Player |
| LT | Tyler Guyton |
| LG | Tyler Smith |
| C | Cooper Beebe |
| RG | Tyler Booker |
| RT | Terrence Steele |
