3 guards Cowboys could draft to replace Zack Martin in 2025 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys could be faced with the prospect of creating an offensive line without future Hall of Famer Zack Martin for the first time in years. With Martin ruled out for the rest of 2024 due to an ankle injury, the career Cowboy appears to be strongly considering retirement after the season.

Martin, picked in the first round in 2014 out of Notre Dame, is one of the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history. In 10 seasons with the Cowboys, Martin was named a Pro Bowler nine times and a First Team All-Pro seven times. That mark is tied with Bruce Matthews, Randall McDaniel, and John Hannah for the most ever by a guard.

Replacing his will not be easy, which could force the Cowboys to consider picking a replacement in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. If any of these three players are one-third as good as Martin was during his peak, the Cowboys could stumble on another decade-long starter in the draft.

3 guards the Dallas Cowboys can add in 2025 NFL Draft to replace Zack Martin

3. Tate Ratledge, Georgia

Ratledge is a built entirely on power, which will make him less attractive to Kyle Shanahan-adjacent offenses that want more mobile, athletic players at that position. In schemes more similar to what he is doing at Georgia, Ratledge should make a solid transition to the pros.

Ratledge is an exclusive right guard, and there are some technical faults that need to be cleaned up to such a big degree that he is not a first-round player at this point in time. However, the Cowboys have some Day 2 capital that could be used on a player that has high-end starter potential in Ratledge.

2. Tyler Booker, Alabama

The Cowboys have a history of occasionally taking raw athletic toolboxes with premium picks on the offensive line. Look no further than Guyton. Booker is in that same mold, as he is a monstrous guard who can deliver some remarkable, crunching blocks when given the chance.

Booker is a plodding player at over 350 pounds, which could lead to some trouble when it comes time to handle speedy interior players. Still, you can't teach his level of raw power and rock-solid lower body. Booker's production against quality SEC teams is another feather in his cap.

1. Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona

Savaniinaea adds tackle-guard versatility to the mix, which will make it very difficult for teams hot on his tail to acquire him later in the first round. Savaiinaea going in the top half of the first round might sound rich until you start taking a look at what he has put on tape this season.

Savaiinaea has been a high-end prospect for the last two years, as his mix of technical refinement, power, and athleticism will get the Cowboys' heads turned. No matter where they pick, Savaiinaea needs to be in the consideration.

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