With the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and the first pick of the Brian Schottenheimer era, the Dallas Cowboys took Alabama guard Tyler Booker in the first round Thursday night.

The Cowboys entered the 2025 NFL Draft looking to trade back and acquire and extra pick. With no trade available and Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan off the board, going to Carolina Panthers with the eighth pick, they leaned in Schottenheimer’s philosophy of being physical, building the trenches and bolstering the running the game.

Booker is a physical run blocker who is the favorite to replace the retired Zack Martin at right guard.

And it adds to the competition at the position that includes holdover Brock Hoffman and free agent signees in guards Robert Jones and Saahdiq Charles.