Despite having a more pressing need at wide receiver, the Dallas Cowboys stuck to their board on Thursday night and picked offensive lineman Tyler Booker in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, who is already being presented by head coach and front office as an immediate starter likely to replace Zack Martin at right guard.
But the Cowboys were probably at least a little bit enticed about going with a defensive pick, particularly on the defensive line. At least edge rusher Shemar Stewart out of Texas A&M believes he was a strong option for America’s Team.
“Dallas, if I’m being honest with you, I really thought I was going to Dallas,” Stewart said after the Cincinnati Bengals picked him at 17th overall.
Asked about the reason why, Stewart brought up Jerry Jones and defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, who even asked to talk to his father.
“I had a great meeting with Jerry Jones,” Stewart elaborated. “Their defensive line coach texted me a couple days out saying he wanted to get on the phone with my dad. Then he proceeds to reach out to my dad and tells him how much he loves me. That one came to a shock to me.”
Stewart, a highly athletic defensive lineman with position flex, was one of the Cowboys’ pre-draft visits leading into the first round.
According to A to Z Sports’ expected draft positions, Stewart ranked 11th in this year’s class while Booker ranked 28th. That being said, this isn’t the first time the Cowboys go against the grain, specially when it comes to offensive linemen.
Tyler Smith was considered a reach by many and three years into his career, he’s a second-team All-Pro lineman. Booker is considered by many analysts one of the most dominant players on film this year. The Cowboys are taking an important step in rebuilding the O-line. We’ll see how they go about addressing a long list of needs starting in Day 2.
