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One of Tyler Booker’s biggest achievements isn’t on tape but it surely helped make him the Dallas Cowboys' first-round draft pick

Originally posted on A to Z Sports
By Mauricio Rodriguez | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 4:38 PM ET

A big theme going into the 2025 NFL Draft for the Dallas Cowboys was character. The same front office that's been willing to take swings on prospects with character concerns for so many years talked about finding players with a love for football seemed to change its tone, presumably because of new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

"We’re looking for those world‑class competitors—the guys who come in, work hard, and are passionate about what they do," Schottenheimer said Tuesday leading up to the Draft. "It really is a puzzle you’re trying to fit together, and to me, traits are just one piece of that puzzle."

In picking Alabama offensive guard Tyler Booker withe the 12th overall pick in the first round, the Cowboys quickly provided an example.

That's because as praised as Booker is for his dominant tape, he's also seen as a high-leadership player with an intense love for football. So much so that when Cowboys VP of player personnel Will McClay compared his grades to Zack Martin's in 2014, he mentioned character as well.

"When you go in there, you’re looking for starter-type players—and (Booker) is a starting-type guard," McClay told reporters Thursday night. "I went back and looked, and I was talking to Stephen (Jones). Our grades are very similar to what we had on (Zack), and some of the character traits too.

One of Tyler Booker's best moments in Alabama proves his leadership, even if not on tape

When the Crimson Tide lost to the Vanderbilt Commoders in October of the 2024 season, it was considered a major stunner. For a team still moving on from Nick Saban, letting Vanderbilt gain an early 23-7 lead before losing their first game of the season—a loss that ended up playing a major role in their elimination from playoff contention—could've been a devastating blow for the team.

But it's Alabama, and strong leadership exists in the locker room. Most of it came from Booker, according to an anonymous NFL scout quoted by Dane Brugler in his draft guide for The Athletic.

"He keeps everyone accountable in that locker room," the scout said via the guide. "After (Alabama’s) Vandy loss, ‘Book’ was the guy who got everyone back on track.”

To be "the guy" who got the Crimson Tide on the right track following one of the most embarrassing losses for the renowned program has to be almost as impressive if not more as allowing two sacks in 1,035 career pass pro snaps.

One year removed from losing Tyron Smith and a few weeks from Zack Martin's retirement, the Cowboys' quest for an improved O-line isn't just about the talent but the leadership. Expect Booker to emerge as one of the most important personalities on the Cowboys locker room moving forward.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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