New Heaven, CT — The Dallas Cowboys have selected New Haven native Tyler Booker with the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, bolstering their offensive line with the Alabama standout.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 321 pounds, Booker was a two-year starter and team captain for the Crimson Tide. His collegiate accolades include First-Team All-American honors in 2024 and back-to-back First-Team All-SEC selections in 2023 and 2024. Known for his powerful run blocking and high football IQ, Booker allowed just two sacks over 1,035 career pass-blocking snaps at Alabama .
The Cowboys’ decision to draft Booker addresses the void left by the retirement of veteran guard Zack Martin. Booker’s versatility and strength make him an ideal fit for Dallas’s power/gap run scheme . Despite some agility limitations noted during the NFL Combine, his technique and leadership qualities stood out to scouts and analysts.
Booker’s journey to the NFL began in New Haven, Connecticut, where he attended St. Luke’s School in New Canaan before transferring to IMG Academy in Florida. He has remained connected to his roots, hosting annual youth football camps in New Haven to inspire local athletes.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Booker stated,
“I’m super excited. Blessed to be a Cowboy. Great tradition of great offensive linemen. I’m excited to follow all those who came before me. I can’t wait to get on the phone with Dak. Get him the protection he needs. Make sure he goes clean every single game. Just so excited to be a Cowboy”.
Tyler Booker
With this selection, the Cowboys aim to strengthen their offensive front, providing quarterback Dak Prescott with enhanced protection as they pursue postseason success.