The Dallas Cowboys added another weapon to their offensive line on Thursday night as they selected former University of Alabama standout Tyler Booker with the No. 12 overall pick, putting to rest any rumors of the franchise trading down in the first round to secure additional draft capital.
While we won't see what Booker can do on the gridiron until later this year when training camp opens and the preseason kicks off, we do know what number he will be donning when he finally straps up a Cowboys helmet and hits the practice field.
During a press conference at The Star, Jerry Jones and other key members of the front office and coaching staff joined Booker as he received his future uniform and showed off the No. 52 he will proudly wear moving forward.
Tyler Booker, No. 52 pic.twitter.com/3IZxsbDzIO
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) April 25, 2025
While there was certainly a segment of the fan base that hoped the Cowboys would make a "sexier" pick than an interior offensive lineman at No. 12, it was quite clear what motivated Jerry Jones to make this selection, and he alluded to that reasoning while meeting with the media on Thursday night following the conclusion of the opening round of the draft.
“When you make somebody the highest paid player in the NFL you’d like to have somebody in front of him," Jones replied when asked about the selection of Booker, via Todd Archer of ESPN.
As we all know, Jones is referring to Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott with these comments. When you consider the fact that Jones is also the one cutting the checks to his franchise quarterback, in addition to serving as the team's GM, it makes sense that he would lean toward doing what he can to protect the major financial investment the franchise made in Prescott prior to the 2024 campaign.
Booker joins a long list of Cowboys to wear No. 52. It was most recently worn by defensive end KJ Henry, as the former Clemson Tigers standout made two appearances for Dallas during the 2024 season. However, the players who made the number known the best during their respective tenures with the Cowboys were Dexter Coakley from 1997-2004 and, for the real history buffs out there, Dave Edwards, who wore No. 52 from 1963-1975.