The Dallas Cowboys selected Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker with the 12th overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night, Schuyler Dixon of The Associated Press reports.

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 seven-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.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/theredzoneorg 
     
Don't forget to follow us on Bluesky at https://theredzone.bsky.social

Like us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/Theredzone.org