When it comes to drafting offensive linemen, the Dallas Cowboys have built a reputation for getting it right. And in 2025, they may have struck gold again with Tyler Booker.
The rookie guard out of Alabama didn’t just fill in for a legend-he stepped into Zack Martin’s spot and made it his own. That’s no small task.
Martin’s been the anchor of the Cowboys’ line for years, a perennial All-Pro and future Hall of Famer. But Booker didn’t flinch.
From the first snap, he brought a physical edge and a fearless mentality that quickly turned heads in Dallas.
Booker’s rookie campaign was more than just solid-it was foundational. He played in 14 games and was named to the Pro Football Writers All-Rookie Team, a well-earned nod to the impact he had in his first year. According to dallascowboys.com's Tommy Yarrish, Booker allowed just 17 pressures all season-an impressive stat for any lineman, let alone a rookie adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
But what really set Booker apart wasn’t just his on-field performance-it was his presence.
“I make guys not love football anymore,” Booker said shortly after being drafted. It was a bold quote at the time, but looking back, it’s clear he wasn’t just talking-he was setting the tone. That kind of mindset is exactly what the Cowboys needed on their offensive line: toughness, confidence, and a little bit of swagger.
And according to offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, Booker’s influence extended far beyond the trenches.
“We were talking about exit interviews, every player that came in, I asked them who are the leaders, the guys that have influence,” Schottenheimer said. “Of course, everybody would go with Dak, Quinnen, Kenny Clark, Osa. Certainly, on offense, they all talked about Tyler Booker.”
That’s a powerful endorsement. In a locker room full of veterans and Pro Bowlers, a rookie guard being mentioned as a leader says everything you need to know about Booker’s impact.
Schottenheimer didn’t hold back, either: “This guy is an alpha. This guy is an elite football player.
This guy, I think, could be one of the most dominant guards in football for a long, long time.”
And honestly, based on Year 1, it’s hard to argue.
Booker didn’t just hold his own-he set a tone. He brought a physical, no-nonsense attitude to the right side of the line and gave the Cowboys a new identity up front. He wasn’t perfect-rookie growing pains are part of the deal-but his consistency, toughness, and leadership were undeniable.
Replacing Zack Martin is a near-impossible task. But Booker didn’t try to be Martin. He brought his own brand of dominance, and in doing so, carved out a role that looks like it’ll be his for years to come.
Now, heading into Year 2, the expectations are sky-high. Not just for his play, but for his presence in the locker room.
He’s already proven he can handle the physical demands of the NFL. Now, he’s being looked to as one of the emotional and cultural leaders of the offense.
Tyler Booker came in with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. One season in, he’s not just part of the Cowboys’ future-he’s helping define it.