'The most dominant of any OL in the Draft' - Dallas Cowboys pick OL Tyler Booker in first round but it carries a bittersweet taste

With the 12th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected offensive guard Tyler Booker from Alabama. 

Entering the first round, McMillan had emerged as the clear-cut favorite for the pick as long as he was still on the board when the Cowboys went on the clock. The Carolina Panthers put an end to that selecting the Arizona WR with the eight overall pick. 

By picking Booker, the Cowboys are landing one of the most dominant offensive linemen from the 2024 college football season, per Destin Adams' scouting report (below). 

In all likelihood, he's the franchise's answer at right guard following the retirement of Zack Martin earlier this year. Despite Brock Hoffman doing a decent job filling in for the future Hall of Famer, the front office opts for first round talent instead. 

Though Booker was surely the Cowboys' top player on the board, the pick leaves a bittersweet taste in the mouths of fans for a simple reason: The offense lacks a proven WR2 to complement CeeDee Lamb. The Draft is unlikely to provide an answer after the first round.

But this is the way the Cowboys usually draft. Best player available. And if it's an offensive lineman, even better for them. 

Tyler Booker Scouting Report

Tyler Booker, offensive guard, Alabama

Age (Birthday): 21 (4/12/2004) 

A to Z Sports Expected Draft Position: 28

Pre-Draft Round Projection: First

Tyler Booker is one of the most straightforward evaluations in the 2025 NFL Draft class. His 2024 tape is arguably the most dominant of any offensive linemen in the class, but due to him playing guard, which is considered a "non-premium" position (instead of tackle), other players have gotten more time in the spotlight.

His slow 40 time worries some people, but one look at his 2024 film and you'll see Alabama wasn't scared to let Booker work out into space as a lead blocker. When it's all said and done there's a real possibility he is the best offensive lineman taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. He's going to make an immediate impact as a starting guard, and he's going to make a GM look very smart.

Career Projection: All-Pro Potential