2025 NFL Draft - 1st Round Pick - Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
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I don't guess I even understand what Helman is saying about trading for a #2. So a Higgins or Burden or whoever can't be as good as Pickens or Sutton? Those guys were second rounders themselves.
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12) DALLAS COWBOYS: G TYLER BOOKER, ALABAMA
Pick Grade: Below Average
Zack Martin’s retirement in March left a hole on the Cowboys’ interior offensive line. Booker, the 48th-ranked prospect on the PFF Big Board, profiles as a bit of a reach but a talent who fills a definite need up front in Dallas. The Alabama guard earned an 86.5 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2024, which will provide an instant boost to a Cowboys offense that ranked 23rd in PFF pass-blocking grade (62.1) this past season.
Pick Grade: Below Average
Zack Martin’s retirement in March left a hole on the Cowboys’ interior offensive line. Booker, the 48th-ranked prospect on the PFF Big Board, profiles as a bit of a reach but a talent who fills a definite need up front in Dallas. The Alabama guard earned an 86.5 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2024, which will provide an instant boost to a Cowboys offense that ranked 23rd in PFF pass-blocking grade (62.1) this past season.
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Morning After - Dallas takes Tyler Booker
Question The Position Value, But Cowboys Are Getting The Top Guard in this Draft.
Bob Sturm
Apr 25, 2025
The issue with having a lot of needs on draft day and not enough picks to go around is pretty obvious.
No matter what you do and who you take, there will be some significant push-back. Those are the sins that still must be paid for and when you struggle on draft day in 2023 and 2024, there were always too many issues to go around.
Then, the perfect scenarios of finding a delightful trade back or a franchise skill player did not materialize. But the clock ticks, and a decision needs to be made. Some would also point out that, as bad as the Cowboys were last season, the late surge of winning 4 of 5 down the stretch only served to put them in draft “no man’s land,” as they finished in the lukewarm middle of the league at 7-10. Not bad enough to land a big fish, not good enough to matter.
But these are the cards that were dealt. So, in response, the Dallas Cowboys decided to go get the best football player they could find—even if it was not a blinking-light need relative to that list we have talked about all spring long.
Instead, in a bit of a LeeRoy Jenkins play, the team secured the best guard in the draft. Alabama’s Tyler Booker was one of the easiest evaluations in this 2025 draft from a tape perspective.
He is a mauler and a problem in a phone booth to deal with. I assume Dallas is about as fortified as can be in terms of the guard-center-guard combos up front to deal with what is required this fall. What I didn’t know when watching that tape is what a solid human he appears to be in terms of a team-leader and a lover of ball, but there are legions of witnesses that swear by him and his work at the SEC level.
But guard? Not only is it not a glaring need—it would definitely be a position of concern this fall—but you don’t always have to buy the world’s most expensive car if you are just commuting back and forth to work. Many teams make a Brock Hoffman/Robert Jones combo work at a non-premium position like guard and use resources for the “Power 5” positions (QB, WR, LT, Edge, CB).
I want to be clear—I love Tyler Booker and think he is an excellent football player. You can never go wrong taking excellent football players, and to get the best guard prospect (some tackles will play guard at the next level, but he is a true guard who is the best in class, I believe) should really help them moving forward.
Then I went and watched his Combine presser, and man, this is a guy you are going to like:
Of course, beyond the player, we have to talk about quite a few things here as we render our Day 1 verdict on their process and maximizing resources.
Why Could They Not Trade Back?
It sure appears there was no real market on the trade-back front this year, as the first round had almost no activity. The Browns at No. 2 had a nice auction for Travis Hunter, and then we made it down to No. 24 before the Jaxson Dart trade by the Giants and Texans occurred. What this tells us is that it was clearly a buyer’s market, and while Dallas did claim they had an offer or two, we must assume the bounty was very low—perhaps you move back six spots for a fourth-rounder or something like that. We won’t find out the exact offers, most likely, but the fact that no teams moved down from pick No. 3 to No. 23 seems to verify that nobody was making very compelling offers.
This matches the pre-draft info that teams were looking to drop, but not to jump up. It takes two to tango. This could also verify that the talent group in the “first-round grade group” was pretty subjective, and teams thought they could still get their guy if they waited. This usually happens when teams decide that a group of guys are “all about the same” in valuation, and again, this seems to check out.
If no trade-back is available and that was your top scenario, then let’s try to assemble the decision-making process of Dallas to stay in and pick their guy.
Why Did They Not Take A Bigger Need?
First, we must concede that our list of needs may not agree with their list. If they thought guard was a bigger issue than we did, we must admit we don’t know the new coaching staff’s thoughts on someone like Brock Hoffman. Heck, maybe this was upgraded when they watched Philadelphia’s defensive line roll through the playoffs and took a long look in the mirror. It isn’t crazy to arrive there.
But you also cannot force the draft.
When Tetairoa McMillan was taken at No. 8, it does appear that Dallas got off WR unless they could trade back. We didn’t think Matthew Golden (taken at No. 23 by Green Bay) or Emeka Egbuka (No. 19 by Tampa Bay) was valued properly at No. 12, and apparently they believe they can find something very nice at No. 44 in the offensive weapons column—and we won’t know until tonight if they are right.
It would also appear they were not too taken with the offerings at cornerback, either, and I would also admit that the corner group is deep enough that grabbing one at No. 12 did not seem overly attractive as well. Jahdae Barron (Denver at pick No. 20) and Maxwell Hairston (Buffalo at No. 30) are the only two corners gone.
We have talked about RB already and how we really like the third round for that position, so again, the methodology checks out on the “needs” if you can’t get a WR that you think moves the needle enough to ignore the best football player on your board.
Are You Trying To Say Booker was the BPA at No. 12?
I might be, yes.
I know we love to be upset by the team on draft day, but when I look at this list, I would tell you that the players I had ranked in front of Booker that then were selected in the next several were not obvious misses as we sit here today. First, I will show you what happened:
The flashing lights are Tyler Warren and Jalon Walker, and I think in both cases it would have been an odd fit. I would have loved Warren, but with Jake Ferguson, the investment at TE, and the depth they will enter camp with, it doesn’t seem to make sense. With Walker, I understand this too. He could be special, but so much will depend on building the scheme around him, and the Cowboys are never doing that with Micah Parsons in their jersey. They have their centerpiece guy up front.
They Were Down to Tyler Booker or Walter Nolen.
This was revealing last night in the post-draft presser. Jerry talks about Booker and even mentions DT Walter Nolen (taken by Arizona at No. 16) by name as an either/or talk between these two players.
“Didn’t get the trade….Nolen was on the board…Booker is sitting there…We had that one nailed.”
Walter Nolen is a guy we studied in the build-up, and I would definitely love to have him, but it would be disingenuous for me to suggest I liked him better than Tyler Booker. I did not. I had Booker as a first-rounder and Nolen as a first–second-rounder. I had Booker as my No. 23 and Nolen as my No. 27. Nolen is more of a glaring need, but I also admit that they don’t seem to have given up on Mazi Smith yet (I know, I know), and I am almost positive they think Booker is a better team-first guy. Nolen has a résumé of being a bit of a football mercenary, with multiple high schools and universities that have been well-monetized for his work. No issues with a guy taking advantage of those opportunities, but the Cowboys value a guy who loves football, and I don’t blame them. If they used that as the focus of their conversation between the two, I think that seems to make sense to me too.
Now, Nolen might have solved a lot of defensive issues in terms of run-stuffing, and that remains a significant issue, but that is where we currently are.
My Verdict:
I love the player, and he will instantly make your offense better. Yes, the price is steep to pay, especially when it consists of about 62% of your entire draft currency. Right guard, in replacing Zack Martin, seems important—but so do those other glaring needs. It is tough to separate the player from the situation. Yet, we probably should if we want them to take the best player available.
Tyler Booker is an excellent football player and could be a great leader moving forward. I am not worried about his testing because his tape is fantastic, and his position does not need elite testing scores. You need power, technique, and disposition, and he appears to be very strong at all of them.
I know negativity is what gets the people going, but you know I liked this player from the time we evaluated him back in early March. It is not what I envisioned them doing, but now that he is here, I have zero issue with it. Yes, I would love to have traded back and picked up more value, but if they say that wasn’t a strong option, then take him and move on to Day 2.
I am not going to have a big problem with this selection.
Now, below, I have reprinted his Sturm 60 evaluation so you can see what I thought of him from March 7th—before I knew he was a future Cowboy. Included is plenty of film so you can see for yourself.
Let me know what you think:
The Sturm 60
2025 Profile - Alabama's OG Tyler Booker
Bob Sturm
·
Mar 7
Let’s look at one player who appears to be a big guard.
Read full story
No. 52 - Tyler Booker - Age 20 - Jr - 6’5 - 321 - 34.5” - ALA
A little less Crimson Tide this year than most, but they may be providing the best interior offensive lineman so far.
2023 - 802 snaps, all LG, 15 QB Pressures, 2 sacks, 2 penalties - 72.5 PFF
2024 - 778 snaps, all LG, 10 QB Pressures, 0 sacks, 7 penalties - 66.5 PFF
We grabbed three tapes against physical opponents on the road - at Wisconsin, at Tennessee, and at LSU. If he was going to show some weakness, it would be in these games.
Wisconsin: This is a very large frame with long arms and he is running the trenches, full of confidence. His finish on the second snap demonstrates that he is here for business. The strength here appears elite. His legs are giant and moving him is going to require a lot of force. True bulldozer in the run game. Easy switch in pass pro. But, overall, he is a punisher. Looking to get at guys and to set a physical tone. Turns defenders easily off the ball. Walls them off and its over. Casual domination. He is an elite interior prospect from this tape.
Tennessee: This game will be a bit more of a challenge and I wanted to see him against 55 - Norman-Lott who is a DT worth knowing. The pulling right sees a small over-run, but then a good adjustment to spring the play. The point of attack stuff is mostly great. He is a beast. Pass protection is usually text book in that he looks to finish guys rather than wait for them. He jump sets a lot, which I don’t mind at all from guards. Throw the first punch. Lower body strength is going to always be a weapon for him. You can see Tennessee is winning up front as a group, but Booker is doing great. He is providing teaching tape. He caves in defenders. He stalls guys in their tracks.
LSU: Another loud and hostile setting here in Baton Rouge and Booker picks up where he left off. He is a force at LG. He gets displacement and push constantly. He seems to win nearly every rep with power and feet that are certainly good enough. When they pull him into space, he brings the boom. I love the way the rest of the offensive line seems to follow his lead into battle. Leadership stuff as a captain seem clear in games like this one. Composure and confidence in hostile stadiums. He is on top of his guy routinely and then telling them about it.
POSITIVES: This is a very impressive specimen with huge strength and the heaviest of hands that pack a punch. He is delivering physical play and doing it with routine. He is big, athletic, long, and composed. He gets guys out of the way and he protects with ease and composure. I see nothing but plug-and-play starter stuff here.
CONCERNS: I would be concerned about the short-area quickness if someone wanted to try to get him out to tackle. I think that might take him out of his best position where he – like Tyler Smith – seem to be more equipped to dominate inside, so I don’t want to move him.
OVERALL: This is one of the easiest evaluations I have seen this year as he is a dominant player who we don’t have to squint to see what he is. We can debate the value of guard at the top of a draft, but this is an easy FIRST ROUND GRADE for what I assume is going to be the best guard in this draft. Absolute butt-kicker.
Evaluation Scores (1-10):
Question The Position Value, But Cowboys Are Getting The Top Guard in this Draft.
Bob Sturm
Apr 25, 2025
The issue with having a lot of needs on draft day and not enough picks to go around is pretty obvious.
No matter what you do and who you take, there will be some significant push-back. Those are the sins that still must be paid for and when you struggle on draft day in 2023 and 2024, there were always too many issues to go around.
Then, the perfect scenarios of finding a delightful trade back or a franchise skill player did not materialize. But the clock ticks, and a decision needs to be made. Some would also point out that, as bad as the Cowboys were last season, the late surge of winning 4 of 5 down the stretch only served to put them in draft “no man’s land,” as they finished in the lukewarm middle of the league at 7-10. Not bad enough to land a big fish, not good enough to matter.
But these are the cards that were dealt. So, in response, the Dallas Cowboys decided to go get the best football player they could find—even if it was not a blinking-light need relative to that list we have talked about all spring long.
- Wide Receiver
- Running Back
- Defensive Tackle
- Cornerback
Instead, in a bit of a LeeRoy Jenkins play, the team secured the best guard in the draft. Alabama’s Tyler Booker was one of the easiest evaluations in this 2025 draft from a tape perspective.
He is a mauler and a problem in a phone booth to deal with. I assume Dallas is about as fortified as can be in terms of the guard-center-guard combos up front to deal with what is required this fall. What I didn’t know when watching that tape is what a solid human he appears to be in terms of a team-leader and a lover of ball, but there are legions of witnesses that swear by him and his work at the SEC level.
But guard? Not only is it not a glaring need—it would definitely be a position of concern this fall—but you don’t always have to buy the world’s most expensive car if you are just commuting back and forth to work. Many teams make a Brock Hoffman/Robert Jones combo work at a non-premium position like guard and use resources for the “Power 5” positions (QB, WR, LT, Edge, CB).
I want to be clear—I love Tyler Booker and think he is an excellent football player. You can never go wrong taking excellent football players, and to get the best guard prospect (some tackles will play guard at the next level, but he is a true guard who is the best in class, I believe) should really help them moving forward.
Then I went and watched his Combine presser, and man, this is a guy you are going to like:
Of course, beyond the player, we have to talk about quite a few things here as we render our Day 1 verdict on their process and maximizing resources.
Why Could They Not Trade Back?
It sure appears there was no real market on the trade-back front this year, as the first round had almost no activity. The Browns at No. 2 had a nice auction for Travis Hunter, and then we made it down to No. 24 before the Jaxson Dart trade by the Giants and Texans occurred. What this tells us is that it was clearly a buyer’s market, and while Dallas did claim they had an offer or two, we must assume the bounty was very low—perhaps you move back six spots for a fourth-rounder or something like that. We won’t find out the exact offers, most likely, but the fact that no teams moved down from pick No. 3 to No. 23 seems to verify that nobody was making very compelling offers.
This matches the pre-draft info that teams were looking to drop, but not to jump up. It takes two to tango. This could also verify that the talent group in the “first-round grade group” was pretty subjective, and teams thought they could still get their guy if they waited. This usually happens when teams decide that a group of guys are “all about the same” in valuation, and again, this seems to check out.
If no trade-back is available and that was your top scenario, then let’s try to assemble the decision-making process of Dallas to stay in and pick their guy.
Why Did They Not Take A Bigger Need?
First, we must concede that our list of needs may not agree with their list. If they thought guard was a bigger issue than we did, we must admit we don’t know the new coaching staff’s thoughts on someone like Brock Hoffman. Heck, maybe this was upgraded when they watched Philadelphia’s defensive line roll through the playoffs and took a long look in the mirror. It isn’t crazy to arrive there.
But you also cannot force the draft.
When Tetairoa McMillan was taken at No. 8, it does appear that Dallas got off WR unless they could trade back. We didn’t think Matthew Golden (taken at No. 23 by Green Bay) or Emeka Egbuka (No. 19 by Tampa Bay) was valued properly at No. 12, and apparently they believe they can find something very nice at No. 44 in the offensive weapons column—and we won’t know until tonight if they are right.
It would also appear they were not too taken with the offerings at cornerback, either, and I would also admit that the corner group is deep enough that grabbing one at No. 12 did not seem overly attractive as well. Jahdae Barron (Denver at pick No. 20) and Maxwell Hairston (Buffalo at No. 30) are the only two corners gone.
We have talked about RB already and how we really like the third round for that position, so again, the methodology checks out on the “needs” if you can’t get a WR that you think moves the needle enough to ignore the best football player on your board.
Are You Trying To Say Booker was the BPA at No. 12?
I might be, yes.
I know we love to be upset by the team on draft day, but when I look at this list, I would tell you that the players I had ranked in front of Booker that then were selected in the next several were not obvious misses as we sit here today. First, I will show you what happened:
The flashing lights are Tyler Warren and Jalon Walker, and I think in both cases it would have been an odd fit. I would have loved Warren, but with Jake Ferguson, the investment at TE, and the depth they will enter camp with, it doesn’t seem to make sense. With Walker, I understand this too. He could be special, but so much will depend on building the scheme around him, and the Cowboys are never doing that with Micah Parsons in their jersey. They have their centerpiece guy up front.
They Were Down to Tyler Booker or Walter Nolen.
This was revealing last night in the post-draft presser. Jerry talks about Booker and even mentions DT Walter Nolen (taken by Arizona at No. 16) by name as an either/or talk between these two players.
“Didn’t get the trade….Nolen was on the board…Booker is sitting there…We had that one nailed.”
Walter Nolen is a guy we studied in the build-up, and I would definitely love to have him, but it would be disingenuous for me to suggest I liked him better than Tyler Booker. I did not. I had Booker as a first-rounder and Nolen as a first–second-rounder. I had Booker as my No. 23 and Nolen as my No. 27. Nolen is more of a glaring need, but I also admit that they don’t seem to have given up on Mazi Smith yet (I know, I know), and I am almost positive they think Booker is a better team-first guy. Nolen has a résumé of being a bit of a football mercenary, with multiple high schools and universities that have been well-monetized for his work. No issues with a guy taking advantage of those opportunities, but the Cowboys value a guy who loves football, and I don’t blame them. If they used that as the focus of their conversation between the two, I think that seems to make sense to me too.
Now, Nolen might have solved a lot of defensive issues in terms of run-stuffing, and that remains a significant issue, but that is where we currently are.
My Verdict:
I love the player, and he will instantly make your offense better. Yes, the price is steep to pay, especially when it consists of about 62% of your entire draft currency. Right guard, in replacing Zack Martin, seems important—but so do those other glaring needs. It is tough to separate the player from the situation. Yet, we probably should if we want them to take the best player available.
Tyler Booker is an excellent football player and could be a great leader moving forward. I am not worried about his testing because his tape is fantastic, and his position does not need elite testing scores. You need power, technique, and disposition, and he appears to be very strong at all of them.
I know negativity is what gets the people going, but you know I liked this player from the time we evaluated him back in early March. It is not what I envisioned them doing, but now that he is here, I have zero issue with it. Yes, I would love to have traded back and picked up more value, but if they say that wasn’t a strong option, then take him and move on to Day 2.
I am not going to have a big problem with this selection.
Now, below, I have reprinted his Sturm 60 evaluation so you can see what I thought of him from March 7th—before I knew he was a future Cowboy. Included is plenty of film so you can see for yourself.
Let me know what you think:
The Sturm 60
2025 Profile - Alabama's OG Tyler Booker
Bob Sturm
·
Mar 7
Let’s look at one player who appears to be a big guard.
Read full story
No. 52 - Tyler Booker - Age 20 - Jr - 6’5 - 321 - 34.5” - ALA
A little less Crimson Tide this year than most, but they may be providing the best interior offensive lineman so far.
- From Connecticut, but out of the IMG Academy as a 4-star recruit who had offers from everywhere and chose Alabama.
- 2023 - All SEC (1st) as he became full-time starter.
- 2024 - All SEC (1st) and All American (1st)
2023 - 802 snaps, all LG, 15 QB Pressures, 2 sacks, 2 penalties - 72.5 PFF
2024 - 778 snaps, all LG, 10 QB Pressures, 0 sacks, 7 penalties - 66.5 PFF
We grabbed three tapes against physical opponents on the road - at Wisconsin, at Tennessee, and at LSU. If he was going to show some weakness, it would be in these games.
Wisconsin: This is a very large frame with long arms and he is running the trenches, full of confidence. His finish on the second snap demonstrates that he is here for business. The strength here appears elite. His legs are giant and moving him is going to require a lot of force. True bulldozer in the run game. Easy switch in pass pro. But, overall, he is a punisher. Looking to get at guys and to set a physical tone. Turns defenders easily off the ball. Walls them off and its over. Casual domination. He is an elite interior prospect from this tape.
Tennessee: This game will be a bit more of a challenge and I wanted to see him against 55 - Norman-Lott who is a DT worth knowing. The pulling right sees a small over-run, but then a good adjustment to spring the play. The point of attack stuff is mostly great. He is a beast. Pass protection is usually text book in that he looks to finish guys rather than wait for them. He jump sets a lot, which I don’t mind at all from guards. Throw the first punch. Lower body strength is going to always be a weapon for him. You can see Tennessee is winning up front as a group, but Booker is doing great. He is providing teaching tape. He caves in defenders. He stalls guys in their tracks.
LSU: Another loud and hostile setting here in Baton Rouge and Booker picks up where he left off. He is a force at LG. He gets displacement and push constantly. He seems to win nearly every rep with power and feet that are certainly good enough. When they pull him into space, he brings the boom. I love the way the rest of the offensive line seems to follow his lead into battle. Leadership stuff as a captain seem clear in games like this one. Composure and confidence in hostile stadiums. He is on top of his guy routinely and then telling them about it.
POSITIVES: This is a very impressive specimen with huge strength and the heaviest of hands that pack a punch. He is delivering physical play and doing it with routine. He is big, athletic, long, and composed. He gets guys out of the way and he protects with ease and composure. I see nothing but plug-and-play starter stuff here.
CONCERNS: I would be concerned about the short-area quickness if someone wanted to try to get him out to tackle. I think that might take him out of his best position where he – like Tyler Smith – seem to be more equipped to dominate inside, so I don’t want to move him.
OVERALL: This is one of the easiest evaluations I have seen this year as he is a dominant player who we don’t have to squint to see what he is. We can debate the value of guard at the top of a draft, but this is an easy FIRST ROUND GRADE for what I assume is going to be the best guard in this draft. Absolute butt-kicker.
Evaluation Scores (1-10):
- Pass Protection - 9
- Run Blocking zone scheme - 8
- Run blocking Pulling ability - 9
- Quickness of initial move - 8
- Downfield blocking - 8
- Demeanor - 9
NoDak
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Surprised Jerry didn't give him 73 or 70.
Genghis Khan
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Huh?
Genghis Khan
The worst version of myself
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Yeah that whole thing is a weird take.
Genghis Khan
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They called their 48th ranked prospect a "bit" of a reach after he's taken at 12? 12 from 48 would be a massive reach. (I definitely don't agree with him ranked at 48.)
Then they rate him 86.5, which seems pretty good to me and significantly better than the cowboys overall grade, and yet they ranked him that low?
I didn't like the pick but as usual PFF is retarded and their evaluations don't even make sense.
Genghis Khan
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NoDak
Hotlinking' sonofabitch
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I read it as being the best fit for Dallas, inside of his ratings.
Genghis Khan
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Maybe that's his logic, but that's not what BPA means. You can't be the 23rd ranked player and be BPA at 12.