Cowboys take Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker with 12th pick in NFL draft

By Canadian Press on April 24, 2025.

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys selected Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker with the 12th overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night.

It was a somewhat surprising choice for a club without an overwhelming need, but with priorities seemingly higher than another blocker, despite the retirement of six-time All-Pro right guard Zack Martin.

The Cowboys got Martin with the 16th overall pick 11 years ago, and there was a sense that Dallas might trade down because of the draft’s depth at running back and receiver, two positions of need.

Dallas stayed put, and drafted an offensive lineman in the first round for the third time in the past four drafts. The Cowboys also did that from 2011-14, first with tackle Tyron Smith, followed by center Travis Frederick in 2013 and Martin a year later.

The 6-foot-5 Booker played guard for the Crimson Tide, and the Cowboys technically have a starting spot available with Martin stepping away. Dallas has been high on Brock Hoffman, the injury replacement for Martin late last season.

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Schuyler Dixon, The Associated Press

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