Cowboys draft G Tyler Booker: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
The Dallas Cowboys have added some protection along the offensive line, selecting Alabama guard Tyler Booker with the No. 12 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
A two-year starter with the Crimson Tide, Booker was decorated with awards throughout his three years at Alabama. He was named Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC in 2022, then was named to the All-SEC second team in 2023. While a promising player, Booker was inconsistent at guard through his first two seasons before breaking out in 2024. As a junior, Booker was named a first-team All-American and first-team All-SEC as a team captain.
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Booker once referred to his violent play style as 'legal assault,' adding that 'I make guys not love football anymore.' The physicality from the 6-foot-5, 321-pound left guard helped an Alabama run offense score 31 red zone rushing touchdowns, tied for fourth most in the FBS in 2024.
While physically imposing, Booker struggled at the NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a 5.38-second 40-yard dash with a 1.95 10-yard split. The 40 time ranked second-worst out of all of the offensive linemen who ran, while his 10-yard split ranked last among all participants regardless of position. Booker's 7-foot, 9-inch broad jump also ranked second worst among all combine participants.
Booker ranked No. 24 in Dane Brugler's top 300 big board. Here's what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
'In pass protection, you want your guards creating the depth of the pocket by answering and anchoring, which Booker does at a high level. In the run game, you want your guards driving and creating room with the intent of dominating their man, which Booker also does consistently. The next step for him is to continue developing his savviness to counter/reach high-end athleticism and blitzes that cross his face. Overall, Booker is built like a bull, with the play strength and finishing mentality to match. His average foot quickness, however, might not be ideal for every scheme. He projects as an immediate starting guard with the tools and competitive character that are easy to bet on.'
Come back later for more analysis of Booker.
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