The Cowboys returned to the OL well, and while many think that was wise, they had a problem with the specific target.
The Dallas Cowboys’ selection of Alabama guard Tyler Booker wasn’t met with a ton of fanfare on social media. It seems the sentiments were shared, mostly, among the draft community as well. While most of the so-called expert opinions were in agreement that it made sense for the club to use resources on continuous improvement of the offensive line, many had issue with Booker’ selection.
A quick rundown of the expert takes ensues.
Nick Baumgardner/Scott Dochterman (The Athletic): B+
A mountain of a man, Booker is the most physically dominant run-blocking offensive lineman in this class. There are issues with his quickness and movement skills, but nothing too overwhelming. He’s likely only a guard in the NFL — but potentially a terrific one, powerful enough to help both the center and tackle playing next to him.
Dallas has done a nice job evaluating talent along the offensive line in recent years, and Booker should be able to make an impact quickly. He started as a true freshman at Alabama and grew into a leader. This might feel like a reach for some, especially given Booker’s positional limitation — and with players including Warren and Jalon Walker on the board — but Booker is the best guard in the draft.
Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): A
Danny Kelly (The Ringer): C+
The Cowboys smartly look to bolster their offensive line, grabbing a mammoth, wide-framed blocker in Booker. The former Crimson Tide standout brings immense power and heavy hands to the guard position and should provide a nice boost for quarterback Dak Prescott. But I worry about his sluggish feet in the run game, and this is a bit rich for a prospect who projects to guard only. Booker has a solid floor, but I had several offensive linemen ranked higher.
Dave Kluge (Footballguys): B
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (USA Today): C
Gilberto Manzano/Matt Verderame (Sports Illustrated): D
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports): B-
Charles Robinson (Yahoo Sports): B
This is a bit of a surprising pick, but it’s a quality one. Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker should be one of the best, young guard duos in the league that will play a whole lot of power football for the Cowboys. Booker is a specific scheme fit, but this pick suggests that the Cowboys are going to be blowing defensive lines off the ball with a heavy run game and play action shots off of it. Surprising, but good.
Geoff Schwartz (FOX Sports): B+
Brent Sobleski (Bleacher Report): A
Ian Valentino (The 33rd Team): D
Hayden Winks (Underdog Network): D-
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