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Dallas reverted to old habits when they selected guard Tyler Booker with their first-round selection, surprising many. History has repeated itself as the club turned in a card with an offensive lineman’s name written on it for the third time in four years, much like they did in the 2010s with Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin.
This selection will have a ripple effect along the offensive line as being a top-15 pick will lead to Booker immediately getting thrust into the starting lineup. The addition means that those who are on the roster and thought they had a chance to compete for a starting gig are now reduced to fighting for backup snaps.
The biggest loser in the equation will be C/G Brock Hoffman, who started seven games for the Cowboys last season at both center and guard. The fiery competitor brought a violent mindset to the offensive line, paving the way for former running back Rico Dowdle to earn his first 1,000-yard rushing season. The new regime opted to take a plug-and-play starting lineman, bypassing the team’s four bigger needs, spelling trouble for Hoffman.
The team had also added Robert Jones earlier in the spring in free agency. Jones started 16 games for the Miami Dolphins last year.
The team also added Saahdiq Charles in free agency, while still employing T.J. Bass and Nathan Thomas. Dallas is loaded in the interior of their line and some of these players are now at risk of not even making the club in 2025.
Newly signed veteran Hakeem Adeniji and third-year player Asim Richards both have experience playing along the interior of the line, but will likely begin on the outside at tackle now.
Hoffman can also be the Cowboys backup center, behind Cooper Beebe, giving them game-day flexibility with his experience playing guard. His roster spot may not be in immediate danger, but the message is clear for the former undrafted free agent no matter how many good things Dallas says about him.
Dallas wanted to get bigger and more physical along their line to combat the formidable defenses in the NFC East. The presumed starting line of Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker, and Terence Steele carries an average weight of 324 pounds. Hoffman is just a tick over 300.
Philadelphia sported the largest offensive line in Super Bowl history, and Dallas appears ready to follow that blueprint.
Adding Booker should also close the door for free agent guard Will Hernandez, who had been linked to the Cowboys from his experience playing for new offensive coordinator Klayton Adams the last two seasons in Arizona.
Hoffman played 415 snaps last season, appearing at both guard positions and center, giving up only one sack all season. His effort and intensity were infectious, yet now became an afterthought after Thursday night’s event.
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