Alabama Football Head Coach Kalen DeBoer anticipates prospective running back Tyler Booker could flourish in the Dallas Cowboys' system
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Scoring Tyler Booker: A Potential Gem for the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys snatched up Tyler Booker in the draft, but they might have hoped to bag another player. And why not? After all, Alabama football coach, Kalen DeBoer, lauded his former offensive lineman to ESPN.
"Looking ahead, I reckon if he cracks the NFL and lasts a few years, he could turn into a damn good tackle," DeBoer told ESPN. "I think he's that versatile chap. He can play inside. Hell, he could snap the ball and play center, given his smarts. He'll give everything he's got to whatever it is."
Some folks might've questioned the Cowboys' initial apprehension, but Booker was arguably the best lineman in the country, even in the fierce SEC conference. He managed to stand out among the best at his position.
In fact, the Cowboys' website hailed Booker as 'that guy' for Alabama football. Could he be 'that guy' on the Cowboys' front line, a shield they sorely need? After heavyweights like Tyron Smith decamped in free agency, the offensive line took a hit.
Yet, in the 2025 NFL Draft, teams were drafting based on positional needs, not talent.
DeBoer's Projection of Booker Shining with the Cowboys
The second-team AP All-America selection started 12 games at left guard last season and one at tackle. DeBoer isn't ruling out the possibility of Booker playing tackle in the future, as reflected in his comments.
While Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman was waxing lyrical about Riley Leonard's charm, Ohio State football HC Ryan Day dropped some truth bombs about Will Howard's Steelers fit. Meanwhile, Alabama football HC Kalen DeBoer dished out advice to Jalen Milroe after his Seahawks pick, and Ole Miss football landed a potential Jaxson Dart replacement in the transfer portal.
Despite Kiper Jr's scolding, the Cowboys drafted a position of need. They plucked a first-team All-American and one of the best at his position.
With an average explosiveness into first contact, Booker is a burly run blocker who overtakes defenders in the second phase of the block. DeBoer has loads of confidence in Booker, regardless of what position he plays – guard or tackle.
With such versatility, the Cowboys will likely use Booker in various ways. However, they intend to make the most of his talents and place him where he's most comfortable.
In the end, the offensive line is off to a solid start thanks to Booker. The ball's now in head coach Brian Schottenheimer's court on how to utilize Booker in his rookie season.
If need be, DeBoer could always provide some guidance on how to tackle a player of Booker's caliber in the pros. After all, Booker's college performance under the Alabama program certainly hints at a readiness for pro-level expectations. Post-draft interviews suggest Booker is keen to quickly master the playbook to avoid hobbling the offense as a rookie.
- The Dallas Cowboys selected Tyler Booker in the draft,, but many questioned their initial apprehension, given the high praise he received from his college coach, Kalen DeBoer.
- DeBoer believes that if Booker manages to crack the NFL and last a few years, he could turn into a promising tackle in the league.
- As the Cowboys are in need of a reliable offensive lineman, Booker, who was arguably the best lineman in the country, could potentially be a gem for the team.
- With an average explosiveness into first contact, Booker is a versatile player who can play both guard and tackle, making him a valuable asset for the team.
- The Cowboys will likely use Booker in various ways, capitalizing on his talents and placing him where he's most comfortable, whether it be at guard or tackle.
- As Booker is keen to quickly master the playbook and avoid hobbling the offense as a rookie, DeBoer could always provide some guidance on how to tackle similar challenges in the pros.
