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Cowboys New 'Tone-Setter' A Perfect Brian Schottenheimer Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Apr 30, 2025 10:12 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys, for most, were intent on taking a receiver at No. 12 in the NFL Draft, but when Tetairoa McMillan was off the board, the franchise zigged when many thought they would zag, and it led them to Alabama's Tyler Booker.

A guard by trade, Booker wasn't a "sexy" pick by any stretch, but the more we heard from him and the coaching staff about what he has inside his ribcage, the more people came around to his selection.

Yes, a guard at No. 12 could be considered a reach, but the Cowboys under Brian Schottenheimer are prioritizing high-valued people and leaders this offseason, of which Booker is both.

And that has led CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson to have Tyler has his best pick of Dallas' draft class.

"Tyler Booker is a tone-setter," Wilson writes. "I never cared about his 40-yard dash time because unless he's returning a fumble, he won't be asked to run 40 yards in a straight line very often. He's the best guard in this class and one of the best football players."

A locker room leader at Alabama, Booker comes to The Star with all the key ingredients that Schottenheimer and the coaching staff want.

A genuine plug-and-play starter from Day 1, Booker will slip into Zack Martin's right guard spot in 2025, and he isn't just here to play in the shadows, he's here to being everyone else along for the ride.

His now-famous quote, "I make guys not love football anymore," has been ringing in our ears since draft night, and it is that mentality that will define the Schottenheimer Cowboys in 2025.

Yes, there's been a lot of talking the talk, but Schottenheimer is getting the right people and players in the building who have no trouble walking the walk.

And no one embodies it better than Dallas' new "tone-setter," Mr. Booker.

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

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