Cowboys Get Alarming Draft Label From Mel Kiper

With the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Alabama offensive guard Tyler Booker. He could step in right away as the heir at RG to legend Zack Martin following his retirement.

Some in Cowboys Nation were expecting a more exciting playmaker - like receiver or running back - to be the team's first pick, but Booker is considered one of the most dominant forces in the class.

He also fits in the culture puzzle head coach Brian Schottenheimer is putting together in his first offseason as the head man. Schotty has spoken about his desire for high-character guys with proven leadership traits to fill out his locker room.

And Booker's selection proves the front office is buying into that plan.

But of course, not everyone is that optimistic.

After most pundits put out their reactions to the Cowboys' move, NFL Draft specialist Mel Kiper announced which teams he deemed "losers" after Round 1 of the Draft.

According to Kiper, Dallas' "stick and pick" at No. 12, rather than trade back, was viewed as a questionable move.

"This was a reach for need," Kiper said, via ESPN+. "The Cowboys were 24th in pass block win rate last season, and Zack Martin retired. I get it. Dallas obviously wanted an immediate replacement at right guard, and Booker is a good player - it's a heavyweight fight on every snap against him. Movement is not his game, but there's no doubt he's a mauler at the line of scrimmage. I thought he was outstanding in pass protection, too.

"The value is just really iffy. He barely clipped my final top 25, and he plays a non-premium position on the interior offensive line." 

Entering Thursday's first round, Kiper listed Booker smack in the middle of his top-50 prospect boards at that No. 25 spot.

It's clear Mel was in favor of a "flashy" pick like the rest of the internet. For three consecutive mock drafts, he had Dallas drafting North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton at 12. He was eventually drafted 22nd overall to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Matthew Golden was another popular name for Kiper. He too was passed on by the Cowboys and was eventually taken by the Green Bay Packers next at No. 23.

Leading into Day 2 of the Draft, Kiper and many others predicted the Cowboys to now pursue those "sexy" positions in Rounds 2-3. But there were more surprises.

At No. 44, the Cowboys selected Boston College defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku. Then Dallas found a much-needed cornerback in Shavon Revel Jr. out of East Carolina with the No. 76 pick.

Kiper hasn't released any grades for those picks, but judging by his harsh criticism of Booker, you can safely assume they won't be too positive.

The Cowboys have a busy day in Saturday's Draft finale with seven picks: two in the fifth and sixth, and three in the seventh round.