With the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys chose Alabama guard Tyler Booker. While not the flashy selection some fans may have been hoping for, this move provides a solid building block as the team embarks on a new chapter under head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Booker is expected to step into a starting role on the offensive line immediately. More importantly, his addition helps solidify what looks like a long-term foundation for the Cowboys’ offensive front. Here’s how the projected lineup looks heading into the season:
- Left Tackle: Tyler Guyton (Year 2)
- Left Guard: Tyler Smith (Year 4)
- Center: Cooper Beebe (Year 2)
- Right Guard: Tyler Booker (Rookie)
- Right Tackle: Terence Steele (Year 6)
Looking ahead, 2025 may be the final season Terence Steele holds down the right tackle spot, depending on how things develop. Meanwhile, Tyler Smith is likely due for a contract extension in the near future, but the rest of the unit is under team control until at least 2027.
Booker’s arrival marks more than just a roster upgrade—it signifies a shift in philosophy. After bidding farewell to longtime linemen Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, both of whom recently announced their retirements, the Cowboys are clearly looking to recreate the kind of elite offensive line that once featured those stars alongside Travis Frederick.
Since Schottenheimer took over, there has been plenty of speculation about the future identity of the Cowboys’ offense. With limited recent data on Schottenheimer-led units—his last significant offensive stint was with the New York Jets over a decade ago—it’s been hard to pinpoint what direction he might take.
However, by choosing a lineman over a high-profile skill player, the Cowboys sent a strong message: they are committed to building from the trenches. This measured and strategic approach reflects a belief in constructing a stable foundation first, with the possibility of adding dynamic playmakers later.
In the end, the selection of Tyler Booker may not have generated major headlines, but it was a calculated move that positions the Cowboys for sustained success—exactly what they need as they move forward into a new era.
