Why ‘Nasty’ Rookie Could Be the Key to Cowboys' Offense

Dallas Cowboys rookie offensive guard Tyler Booker is expected to be a plug-and-play starter after a dominant collegiate career at Alabama. The Cowboys selected Booker in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he has already exceeded expectations with a strong showing in early offseason workouts.

The Cowboys are counting on Booker to help revitalize a rushing attack that ranked 27th in the league last season.

"The Cowboys needed some help in the trenches to improve their rushing attack, which ranked 27th in the league last year,” Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder wrote. “That’s where Booker’s nasty demeanor comes in as he’s a mauler in the trenches and should start right away in Dallas.

"That said, the Alabama product will be flipping sides of the center since he was primarily a left guard in college, where two-time Pro Bowler Tyler Smith lines up. Also, four-year veteran Robert Jones started 17 games in Miami last season, providing some insurance if the rookie isn’t ready."

Booker has made it clear that he sees himself as a natural-born leader—but he also understands the importance of learning to follow before taking on that role. He credits his teammates for taking him under their wing and helping him absorb everything he can ahead of his rookie debut.

"I couldn't ask for a better room of vets," Booker said. "Like, we're a younger room, but there's still a lot of experience within there, so they can relate to what it's like to be a rookie. Even guys like [Guyton], he's helped me out a lot — T. Steele, Brock [Hoffman], everybody, literally everybody [including Cooper Beebe].

"I just really appreciate all their guidance along the way, and they've definitely made this process easier for me.”

With a strong foundation, veteran support, and a relentless work ethic, Booker is poised to make an immediate impact on a Dallas offensive line looking to return to dominance. … to the point that this rookie may be a key to the overall remodel of the Dallas offense,