The Dallas Cowboys may have raised some eyebrows with their No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, as they decided to select Alabama guard Tyler Booker with the thought he can help replace the recently retired future Hall of Famer Zack Martin.
Even with Dallas in need of a wide receiver, a running back that can push their collection of veterans for playing time, and a cornerback who can set themselves apart, Jerry Jones and Will McClay were not going to let Martin's spot at right guard go unfilled heading into Day 2.
The Booker pick is going to have some widespread ramifications that will impact Dallas in the immediate future. A few of Booker's future teammates stand to benefit from this move, while some could be in for a rough go in 2025.
Winners and losers after Cowboys select Tyler Booker at No. 12 in NFL Draft
Winner: Javonte Williams
Williams needed to go to a team with a strong offensive line if he is to have any shot at getting his career back on track. Booker profiles as a tremendous run-blocker, which should be a major aid for a player like Williams who could be out of the league with one more poor season.
Loser: Brock Hoffman
Hoffman may have been in line to start at right guard had Dallas not brought Booker to town. Barring a major injury, it seems like Hoffman's chances of earning a starting role with the Cowboys are evaporating. He could be solid depth as a backup, but this will be Booker's job to lose.
Winner: Terence Steele
A hole on Dak Prescott's offensive line could have a reciprocal impact that makes the entire unit as a collective worse. Steele's play is already up-and-down, and getting a player like Booker that can slot in beside him could help take away some of the variance in his game, especially as a run blocker.
Loser: CeeDee Lamb
Lamb is one of the best wide receivers in the league, but it appears as though the Dallas passing game will once again consist of him and him alone trying to make plays against some of the best teams in the league. Lamb will be productive, but the passing game as a whole will suffer.
Winner: Jalen Tolbert
Tolbert's spot as the No. 2 wide receiver might be locked in, even if Dallas used one of their Day 2 picks on a wideout that can compete for snaps. Tolbert will have a ton on his shoulders, but Dallas seems to trust him enough not to use a pick on a player like Matthew Golden to replace him.