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The Dallas Cowboys did it again. For the third time in four years, they drafted an offensive lineman in the first round. It was also another prospect named Tyler; this time Alabama guard Tyler Booker, selected 12th overall.
Much like the offensive linemen drafted before him, Booker doesn't seem to be a popular pick among the fans or the prognosticators. The hope is two-fold, that Booker can follow in the footsteps of Tyler Smith, as a future All-Pro, and also that Tyler Guyton is on a path to rapid improvement in Year 2.
Here are five traits fans should be aware of about the newest Cowboy.
New head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he wanted to be physical on offense and Booker fits that mold. Booker's a mauler in the run game; using his strength and leg drive to push defenders back and finishes his blocks. He brings a nasty, aggressive attitude and looks for people to hit.
Booker described his play as "legal assault" and imposes his will on defenders.
As good as Booker is in the running game, he's also impressive in pass protection. His size, power and arm length make him tough to get by on the way to the quarterback. In three seasons at Alabama, Booker allowed just two sacks, none of which came in 2024.
If the Cowboys are looking to protect quarterback Dak Prescott with the interior of the offensive line, Booker was among the best prospects available.
While his game tape shows a player who has some fluidity and he can get the job done on the move, Booker lacks athleticism. His athletic testing doesn't show an elite player, and someone who might struggle against bigger, faster defensive linemen in the NFL.
It's not a profile that screams to be drafted as the No. 12 selection and his limitations are noticeable. Booker's testing didn't carry much weight with the Cowboys, which is odd since they have recently been drafting players with an eye on high RAS scores. The hope has to be that Booker's an outlier.
At the pre-draft press conference, Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay said one of the traits they look for in a player is someone who loves football. Booker fits that description and was named a team captain at Alabama.
Part of Booker's makeup includes preparing to be an NFL player since he was in grade school as he left his home state of Connecticut to play high school football in New Jersey. He's also been talked about as a gym rat who works hard to keep his weight down.
The Cowboys made a tough decision to take a guard over improving their weapons on offense, and it was eerily similar to when the team took Zack Martin over Johnny Manziel in the 2014 draft. That pick worked out well, and the hope is history repeats itself.
Booker isn't Martin and no one should expect him to be the same Hall of Fame player, but replacing Martin is a tall task. While he doesn't have to be Martin, Booker does have to be himself and play up to the high standard that was set. Luckily Booker, is taking a smart approach to replacing a legend.
That's a great response from Booker, who can learn from what Martin went through in more than one way. Booker just needs to focus on himself; that's the only way he can help the Cowboys. If he turns out to be another All-Pro player, all the better.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 5 traits of Cowboys top draft pick, OG Tyler Booker
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Much like the offensive linemen drafted before him, Booker doesn't seem to be a popular pick among the fans or the prognosticators. The hope is two-fold, that Booker can follow in the footsteps of Tyler Smith, as a future All-Pro, and also that Tyler Guyton is on a path to rapid improvement in Year 2.
Here are five traits fans should be aware of about the newest Cowboy.
He's a mauler in the running game
New head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he wanted to be physical on offense and Booker fits that mold. Booker's a mauler in the run game; using his strength and leg drive to push defenders back and finishes his blocks. He brings a nasty, aggressive attitude and looks for people to hit.
Booker described his play as "legal assault" and imposes his will on defenders.
Impressive pass blocker as well
As good as Booker is in the running game, he's also impressive in pass protection. His size, power and arm length make him tough to get by on the way to the quarterback. In three seasons at Alabama, Booker allowed just two sacks, none of which came in 2024.
If the Cowboys are looking to protect quarterback Dak Prescott with the interior of the offensive line, Booker was among the best prospects available.
He's a subpar athlete
While his game tape shows a player who has some fluidity and he can get the job done on the move, Booker lacks athleticism. His athletic testing doesn't show an elite player, and someone who might struggle against bigger, faster defensive linemen in the NFL.
It's not a profile that screams to be drafted as the No. 12 selection and his limitations are noticeable. Booker's testing didn't carry much weight with the Cowboys, which is odd since they have recently been drafting players with an eye on high RAS scores. The hope has to be that Booker's an outlier.
He was a team captain
At the pre-draft press conference, Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay said one of the traits they look for in a player is someone who loves football. Booker fits that description and was named a team captain at Alabama.
Part of Booker's makeup includes preparing to be an NFL player since he was in grade school as he left his home state of Connecticut to play high school football in New Jersey. He's also been talked about as a gym rat who works hard to keep his weight down.
Knows he can't replace Zack Martin
The Cowboys made a tough decision to take a guard over improving their weapons on offense, and it was eerily similar to when the team took Zack Martin over Johnny Manziel in the 2014 draft. That pick worked out well, and the hope is history repeats itself.
Booker isn't Martin and no one should expect him to be the same Hall of Fame player, but replacing Martin is a tall task. While he doesn't have to be Martin, Booker does have to be himself and play up to the high standard that was set. Luckily Booker, is taking a smart approach to replacing a legend.
That's a great response from Booker, who can learn from what Martin went through in more than one way. Booker just needs to focus on himself; that's the only way he can help the Cowboys. If he turns out to be another All-Pro player, all the better.
Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 5 traits of Cowboys top draft pick, OG Tyler Booker
Continue reading...
