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Cowboys Going Back To The Future With Tyler Booker?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated May 10, 2025 4:02 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys, under Brian Schottenheimer, have a clear point of attack in 2025, and that is to run the football.

To be able to do that consistently, the offensive line has to be a big point of emphasis, and with the first-round selection of Tyler Booker to slot into the retired Zack Martin's spot at right guard, the line looks to be solidifying before our eyes.

One person who knows a lot about the Cowboys' offensive lines is former quarterback Tony Romo, who had Travis Frederick, Martin, and Tyron Smith all playing at the same time, and it was no surprise that the Cowboys had a good ground game for years (top-10 in rushing yards per game in nine of the following 10 seasons from 2014 onwards).

Romo thinks that Schottenheimer might be trying to recreate that again.

"I'll say this... [By drafting] Booker, this offensive line has a chance to be one of the top in the NFL," CBS Sports' Romo said in an exclusive interview with The U.S Sun's Ryan Sanudo. "They've made a concerted effort to make the position important because that's what the starting point was when Zack Martin came [in 2014]."

In the first four seasons with Martin in Dallas, the Cowboys finished second in the league for rush yards per game in three of them. ... and of course part of that time had Zack protecting none other than QB Romo.

On paper, a front five that consists of Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Booker, and Terence Steele has the potential to be a solid offensive line.

We know that Schottenheimer wants to run the football, and with Miles Sanders, Javonte Williams, and draftee Jaydon Blue seen right now as the best bets to take the reins of the new-look run game, the offensive line has the capability to open up some nice holes.

After a poor 2024 season that saw Rico Dowdle and Zeke Elliott struggle for yards (ranked 27th for yards per game, 100.3), Dak Prescott and the passing attack suffered.

But it's clear Schottenheimer wants a tough, physical offense that will pound defenses into submission by running the football.

Much like the offensive lines in Romo's day.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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