Tyler Booker Impresses with Back-to-Back Dominant Performances Against NFL’s Best Defensive Tackles
The Dallas Cowboys may have known what they had in 2025 first round pick and offensive guard Tyler Booker for some time — they may have even known before they took Booker at No. 12 overall out of the University of Alabama.
The rest of the NFL and the football loving world has got a chance to find out what Booker is all about the last 2 weeks as he’s gone head to head with arguably the NFL’s 2 best defensive tackles.
Booker faced Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro Chris Jones and Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro Jalen Carter in back-to-back games and the Cowboys came away with 2 wins.
“Booker blocked Jones 19 times in pass pro but only gave up 1 pressure,” NFL reporter John Owning wrote on his official X account. “Fantastic performance against top-notch competition from the rookie.”
Booker came away with a tremendous amount of respect and buzz about his play after went toe-to-toe with the 2 Masters of the Universe and didn’t give up an inch.
“Cowboys RG Tyler Booker faced the best DTs the NFL has to offer in Chiefs’ Chris Jones and Eagles’ Jalen Carter in a span of 4 days,” NFL draft expert Dominic White wrote on his official X account. “The rookie more than held his own. In fact, he continues to display the kind of power that other pro OLs covet. Dallas has another star OL.”
Booker Created Buzz With Combine Comments
Booker is one of 3 former first round picks on the offensive line for the Cowboys alongside Tyler Smith and Tyler Guyton — yes it’s weird they’re all named Tyler — and has quickly carved out his own niche.
That started with the NFL scouting combine when the world got its first glimpse into the mindset Booker takes onto a football field, which made a pretty incredible first impression.
“It’s legal assault out there, and I love football because the brand of football that I play, I make guys not love football anymore,” Booker said. “I do that every down by just giving it my all and letting them know I’m not gonna let up. The thing I love most about football is taking the love away from other people.”
That’s the kind of quote that would make any offensive line coach’s heart start to pitter patter.
Missed 3 Games With High Ankle Sprain
Booker, 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, missed 3 games with a high ankle sprain suffered in a Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears but has seen his play level up with each week since his return.
The Cowboys have now won 3 consecutive games and are 6-5-1 headed into a Week 14 road game against the Detroit Lions.
Booker has taken the time since he’s been back to establish himself among the NFL’s elite at his position. According to Pro Football Focus, Booker’s 70.8 overall grade puts him 18th among 78 eligible NFL guards and his 77.1 grade in the run game puts him 8th out of 78.
“Tyler Booker 1v1 against Jalen Carter was a battle,” Bleacher Report’s Brandon Thorn wrote on his official X account. “Can’t help but come away impressed by Booker‘s ability to go at Carter and win straight up. Not many OGs are doing that.”
Bears' Ben Johnson Confident in Team's Depth: 'Next Man Up if Cole Kmet Can't Play'
As the Chicago Bears prepare for their Week 8 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, one key question hangs over their offense: will tight end Cole Kmet be available to play? Kmet, who has been a cornerstone of the Bears' red-zone offense, left last week’s game against the New Orleans Saints with a back injury, leaving his status for Sunday’s game uncertain. However, Bears’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson remains confident in the team’s depth and readiness to step up if Kmet is unable to play.
“We’re taking it one day at a time with Cole,” Johnson said in a recent interview. “He’s a key part of our offense, especially in the red zone, but we have faith in our depth. Whoever steps up, we know they’re ready to make an impact. It's about adapting and staying focused on the task at hand.”
Kmet has been an essential target for quarterback Caleb Williams, especially in short-yardage and red-zone situations. With 17 receptions for 215 yards and 4 touchdowns this season, Kmet’s reliability and ability to create mismatches in the passing game have made him a top target for the Bears. His injury, though, presents a challenge for the Bears, who will need to find a way to continue their offensive momentum without their top tight end.
While the Bears are waiting for a final assessment of Kmet’s injury, Johnson’s words reflect the mentality that the team must adopt when dealing with injuries—relying on the next player to step up and execute the game plan. “Next man up” has been a consistent theme in football, and the Bears have shown they have capable players who can fill in when needed.
If Kmet is unable to go on Sunday, rookie tight end Colston Loveland is expected to see an increase in snaps. Loveland has flashed potential as both a receiver and a blocker but lacks Kmet’s experience. Additionally, veteran Durham Smythe could be called upon to play a more prominent role, particularly in blocking assignments, which could be critical against a tough Ravens defense.
Johnson also noted that the team’s offensive philosophy will remain intact, regardless of Kmet’s availability. “It’s about the next guy being ready. We’ve got confidence in the guys who are stepping in, and we’re confident that they can execute the game plan,” Johnson said. His belief in the team’s depth is not misplaced—other offensive players like Darnell Mooney and DJ Moore have been crucial in the passing game, and the Bears’ run game led by Khalil Herbert will also play an important role.
As the Bears prepare for a tough opponent in the Ravens, Johnson’s confidence in the team’s depth will be crucial. Whether Kmet plays or not, the Bears are determined to adapt and keep the offensive machine running smoothly.
