Cowboys' schedule does 1st-round pick no favors in opening weeks, scheme must support him
Cowboys' schedule does 1st-round pick no favors in opening weeks, scheme must support him
Teams ideally like to ease their new players into tough situations the first year. The leap from the NCAA to the NFL is an enormous one, with the quality of opponent improving significantly. Each week poses a challenge for rookies as they face off against some of the most skilled opponents they've ever seen. That's a reality that will be immediately thrust upon newest Dallas Cowboys rookie, Tyler Booker.
Booker, drafted with the No. 12 overall pick, is the Cowboys top prize this draft cycle. The Alabama guard is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the field. He's a born leader who figures to be a cornerstone in Dallas for years to come. He just has to survive the first two weeks of the season.
The Cowboys have had the unfortunate luck to draw two of their most hated rivals right out of the gate in 2025. Philadelphia and New York are at opposite ends of the NFC East spectrum, but they both bring equally nasty challenges to the Cowboys' top rookie.
Jalen Carter and Dexter Lawrence are two of the best, if not THE best, defensive tackles the NFL has to offer. They are physically imposing in strength, quickness and technique and can routinely get the best of even the most polished and proven guards the NFL has to offer. To think a rookie, making the first two starts of his career, has to face off against these superstars is concerning to say the least.
Working in Booker's favor is the alignment Brian Schottenheimer and Klayton Adams are expected to employ this season. Tightly condensed formations with closely positioned offensive linemen will minimize the damage these elite DTs can do. Booker will still be tested to his limits in the power category, but his gaps will shrink and margin for error should get a boost.
It's safe to say if Booker can hold up against Carter and Lawrence the first two games of his professional career, he would be on a pretty impressive NFL trajectory. But even if he struggles it'll be tough to blame him. He drew a tough hand and now he has to play the cards he's been dealt.
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