Blogging The Boys
Our latest BTB Roundtable recaps what happened for the team during the NFL Draft.
Every week, we gather the latest news about the Dallas Cowboys and seek our writer’s perspective on each headline. Welcome back to the roundtable. This week we have Jess Haynie, David Howman, Tom Ryle, Sean Martin, and Brian Martin.
On the opening day of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys made a significant, and somewhat controversial, move of selecting offensive guard Tyler Booker from Alabama with the 12th overall pick. This decision was part of their strategy to bolster the offensive line after losing veteran guard Zack Martin. Renowned for his physicality and leadership, Booker allowed just two sacks during his three seasons in Alabama and right now he’s positioned to become the team’s starting right guard.
Tom: While the immediate reactions were mixed, some rated Tyler Booker as the best guard in the draft, so that’s a positive. This was clearly a need-driven pick with the Zack Martin retirement, and I’m just fine with that. On day one, it is hard to fully evaluate the impact, but what stands out about Booker is that he is seen as very strong in the run game, especially when his assignment is to work in a phone booth to open holes and cut off pursuit. The follow up moves will be crucial, because this just screams more emphasis on the running game. At the end, the addition of two RBs makes this pick really make sense. It looks like Brian Schottenheimer is serious about running the ball, and Booker should help.
Just seeing a plan taking shape and having the Jones family deferring to Schottenheimer and Will McClay is cause for cautious optimism.
Brian: I have some concerns about Tyler Booker’s fit because I thought he was more of a power/gap player, but after listening to some of his interviews/press conferences I’m excited about the mentality he’s going to bring to the Cowboys OL. He should be a plug-and-play starter as Zack Martin’s replacement at RG and immediately improve the pass protection for Dak Prescott and upgrade the rushing attack. Even though I’m not completely in love with the pick, I’m still excited about the immediate impact he can make as a rookie.
Howman: I have no issue with the player. Tyler Booker is going to be a great fit at right guard, and he’s got the exact type of physicality that Brian Schottenheimer spoke about wanting. My issue comes down to the value of the pick, specifically with guys like Tyler Warren and Shemar Stewart still on the board. It’s hard to quibble with taking a good player, but it’s enough to keep me from being completely overjoyed.
Jess: Eleven years ago, Dallas added Zack Martin to the offensive line and watched it become the tide that raised all ships. DeMarco Murray’s huge year, Dallas’ big 2014 season, another big year in 2016 with Dak and...
