Tyler Booker’s connection with Nick Saban runs deep, long before he ever suited up for the Crimson Tide. It all started back in 2015 when a wide-eyed kid from New Haven, Connecticut, showed up to one of Saban’s football camps. The bond stuck. Fast forward to 2022, and that same kid was a rising star in Tuscaloosa, bulldozing defenders and earning Freshman All-SEC honors. However, his playing style? All gas, no brakes. So much so that Saban himself had to pump the brakes on him in practice. “Coach Saban didn’t say it as nice as I’m saying it now,” joked Booker. Adding, “I’d rather be told to calm down than to pick it up.”

By year two, the OL was a full-time starter—gritty, sharp, and seasoned beyond his years. Every rep at Bama was a battle, especially going head-to-head with monsters like Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner. Honestly, Booker embraced the grind and credits that Alabama edge for shaping him into a next-level talent. Now, heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, he’s not just a name on the board—he’s a top-tier lineman built for Sundays, forged in Saban’s fire. And the most intriguing part? Nick Saban dropped a major Tyler Booker revelation just hours before draft day.

On April 25, just moments after Booker was selected 12th overall by the Dallas Cowboys, SportsCenter shared a special moment from ABC’s NFL Draft broadcast. A photo montage lit up the screen, capturing years of memories between Saban and a young Booker, dating all the way back to his football camp days. One standout photo showed an 11-year-old Booker standing next to Saban, prompting a playful comment from the legendary coach: “It feels good to be bigger than him.”

But Saban didn’t stop at jokes—he gave Booker serious praise, calling him the full package. Alabama insider Mike Rodak shared the moment. “This guy is a fantastic young man. I mean, smart — and you talk about a good leader. Very physical, very tough. Gets movement in the run. That’s why people like him so much. This guy’s got tremendous muscle mass, which I think is very important to being a power player in the NFL,” said Saban. So, from childhood camps to the draft stage, Booker’s journey came full circle, with Saban proudly cheering him on every step of the way.

And why not? Tyler Booker was a rock on Alabama’s offensive line, starting at left guard for the last two years. At 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, his pass-blocking skills stood out, earning him an 86.5 grade from Pro Football Focus. Over 1,000 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed just two sacks—impressive by any standard. However, off the field, Booker was chosen as a team captain, playing a key role in keeping Alabama strong during the coaching transition. Following that, NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein praised him as a “downhill run blocker with elite physical traits” who uses his power to dominate defenders. Right now, with his technique and football IQ, Booker is poised to be a top starter for a power-based NFL offense.

However, the last time the Cowboys were this high in Round 1, they made a game-changing pick—Micah Parsons. But that decision came after missing out on their top CB targets, forcing them to trade back a few spots. That gamble paid off, and now Parsons is a generational talent anchoring their defense. Fast forward to today, and Cowboys GM Jerry Jones is hoping the No. 12 pick could flip the script again. With Micah Parsons’ challenges looming, his journey is about to take a new twist, and the Cowboys are ready to make their next big move.

Micah Parsons’ response to Tyler Booker’s selection

Jerry Jones’ Cowboys’ offseason may have been low-key, with their biggest splash being DE Solomon Thomas on a 2 year, $6 million deal. But the real excitement came with the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, where they went all in on Bama’s powerhouse offensive guard, Tyler Booker. As the picks rolled in, Cowboys star EDGE rusher livestreamed his reactions on the Bleacher Report’s social media channel, and his response to Dallas’ selection was anything but ordinary. Simply put, mixed emotions filled the air as he took in the big move.

When the Cowboys selected Tyler Booker, Parsons’ smile quickly disappeared. He stayed silent, then casually threw his hands up in disbelief. But as his Bleacher Report co-hosts laughed at his lukewarm reaction, Parsons quickly shifted gears. “Hold on! I actually am excited about the pick!” he said. Then, with a grin, he added, “He’s a beast.” Looks like Parsons is warming up to the new addition after all.

However, Micah Parsons couldn’t hide his excitement about Tyler Booker, saying, “He’s a beast, he’s a beast… I just wanted to see that on my side of the ball.” With Dallas struggling on defense in 2024, allowing 355.2 yards and 27.5 PPG, Parsons’ reaction makes sense. But although just minutes earlier, he was hoping the Cowboys would take McMillian, an offensive player, his response to Booker was a bit strange. Classic Parsons—a mix of surprise, honesty, and a dash of humor. It’s clear, though, he’s all in on the pick now.

Also, Booker, coming off a standout season at Bama, was named First-Team All-SEC and earned AP Second-Team All-American honors. Now that the O-line guard steps into Dallas, he’s got big shoes to fill, possibly replacing Zack Martin, the Cowboys’ Pro Bowl stalwart who retired this offseason. So, Booker has to be ready to make an immediate impact.