When the Dallas Cowboys selected quarterback Dak Prescott in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, few could have predicted the Mississippi State product would one day become the face of America’s Team. Now entering his ninth season, Prescott has emerged as a franchise cornerstone, a consistent top-10 quarterback, and the leader of a perennial playoff contender. Yet, despite Prescott’s individual success, the Cowboys have failed to return to the Super Bowl since 1995.
In 2025, with head coach Mike McCarthy on the hot seat, Jerry Jones facing public scrutiny, and an ever-ticking championship window, the franchise must act with urgency. This year’s NFL Draft might be the most pivotal of Prescott’s career. Luckily, the Cowboys are armed with a trio of talented first-round picks from recent drafts that have already begun transforming the offensive landscape in Dallas.
With wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (2020), offensive tackle Tyler Smith (2022), and tight end Jake Ferguson (2022 fourth-rounder who plays like a first-rounder) alongside another first-rounder in Mazi Smith (2023 on defense), the offense is shaping into one of the most versatile units in the league. But perhaps more importantly, the Cowboys’ approach to the 2025 NFL Draft—particularly in using their top pick on a dynamic offensive weapon—could give Prescott the most complete arsenal he’s had in his career.
This article will explore how Dak Prescott can benefit from each of the Cowboys’ top first-round weapons—past, present, and potentially future—as Dallas looks to construct a Super Bowl-caliber offense around its franchise quarterback.
CeeDee Lamb: The Alpha Receiver Dak Prescott Needed
Let’s start with the most obvious weapon in the Cowboys’ offensive war chest: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Drafted 17th overall in 2020 out of Oklahoma, Lamb has blossomed into one of the NFL’s elite receivers, combining crisp route-running, tremendous hands, and after-the-catch explosiveness.
In 2023, Lamb posted career-best numbers with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming Prescott’s go-to target and finishing as a First-Team All-Pro. Their connection is undeniable, and Lamb’s versatility allows him to line up outside, in the slot, or even in motion—forcing defenses to adjust every snap.
Lamb’s presence has revolutionized the Cowboys’ passing attack. No longer reliant on a committee of mid-tier targets, Prescott now has a legitimate WR1 who can take over games. Whether it’s third down, red zone, or when the pocket breaks down, Prescott instinctively looks Lamb’s way.
Yet what makes Lamb truly unique is his ability to draw coverage. This not only boosts his own stats but opens opportunities for other playmakers like Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert, and Jake Ferguson. Lamb’s development as a complete receiver has taken pressure off Prescott and extended plays that previously may have stalled. In many ways, Lamb is the most important offensive player in Dallas not named Prescott—and he’s just hitting his prime.
Tyler Smith: The Cornerstone Left Tackle
When the Cowboys selected Tyler Smith out of Tulsa with the 24th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, many fans scratched their heads. He was raw, aggressive, and viewed by some as a developmental player. Two years later, Smith has not only silenced critics—he’s become an anchor for the Cowboys’ offensive line.
With Tyron Smith aging and frequently injured, Tyler was thrust into action early and impressed immediately. He brings a combination of size (6’5″, 320 lbs), athleticism, and power that makes him an ideal blindside protector for Prescott. Smith allowed just three sacks in 2023 and was named to the Pro Bowl in only his second year.
For Prescott, having a secure and trustworthy left tackle is crucial. In games where Smith starts and plays clean football, Prescott is statistically more efficient and less prone to turnovers. He can stay upright, step into his throws, and extend plays without worrying about backside pressure.
But Smith’s influence goes beyond pass protection. He’s a mauler in the run game, frequently creating running lanes on zone and power schemes. As Dallas continues to rotate running backs—post-Ezekiel Elliott—the presence of Smith provides stability and identity in both aspects of the offense.
Tyler Smith may not be flashy, but he’s already become one of the Cowboys’ most valuable assets. Prescott knows that behind every great quarterback is a great offensive line, and Smith’s growth ensures the Cowboys’ franchise signal-caller can thrive well into the future.
Jake Ferguson: The Hidden Gem Weapon
Although not a first-round pick, Jake Ferguson deserves mention alongside Dallas’ elite offensive weapons. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Wisconsin tight end has outplayed his draft slot and become a safety blanket for Prescott.
In 2023, Ferguson tallied 71 receptions for 756 yards and 6 touchdowns, becoming a trusted option on third downs and in the red zone. His chemistry with Prescott has grown tremendously, as Ferguson’s ability to sit in zones, shield defenders with his frame, and pick up yards after contact has brought shades of Jason Witten back to AT&T Stadium.
For Prescott, Ferguson’s emergence has brought balance. With Lamb commanding double-teams and the running game providing spacing, Ferguson often finds soft spots in coverage and makes clutch grabs. His improvement as a blocker also allows him to stay on the field in both run and pass sets, making Dallas less predictable.
Expect Ferguson’s role to increase in 2025. With the potential addition of another high-caliber offensive weapon in the draft, Ferguson could be the X-factor—someone who benefits from the chaos created by his teammates. If he continues to improve, Ferguson may prove to be the best tight end in Dallas since Witten himself.
2025 NFL Draft: Another First-Round Weapon on the Way?
The 2025 NFL Draft represents a critical opportunity for the Cowboys to give Prescott yet another game-changing piece. With the wide receiver class loaded at the top, and several elite prospects at offensive line and running back, Dallas is in position to go “best weapon available.”
Wide Receiver Option: Malik Nabers (LSU)
If somehow Malik Nabers slides to Dallas, it could give Prescott the best one-two punch at receiver in the NFL. Nabers is a vertical threat with elite speed and body control. Pairing him with Lamb would force defenses into uncomfortable coverages and open the middle of the field for Ferguson.
Running Back Option: Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State)
After transferring from Ole Miss to Ohio State, Judkins enters the draft as a well-rounded back with vision, burst, and toughness. He’d instantly upgrade the Cowboys’ backfield and give Prescott a consistent option on checkdowns and screens.
Offensive Line Option: JC Latham (Alabama)
While less glamorous, fortifying the offensive line with another stud like JC Latham would keep Prescott protected and the offense consistent. Latham can play right tackle or guard, adding flexibility and depth to a unit that has often been snakebitten by injury.
Whichever route Dallas chooses, it will be viewed through the lens of maximizing Prescott’s window. This draft is less about long-term potential and more about short-term explosion. The goal is clear: equip Dak with enough firepower to win now.
The Scheme Factor: Mike McCarthy’s Role
While weapons are essential, their effectiveness hinges on how well they’re utilized. Mike McCarthy’s play-calling in 2023 drew criticism for being too conservative at times, but the offense still finished in the top five in points and top 10 in total yardage.
With Brian Schottenheimer returning as offensive coordinator, the emphasis will be on tempo, motion, and mismatches. Expect formations that feature Lamb in motion, Ferguson in tight, and potentially another first-round receiver split wide to stress defenses across the board.
Prescott’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions is maximized when the offense uses pre-snap motion, RPOs, and play-action—strategies that allow his weapons to work in space. McCarthy and Schottenheimer must design an offense that puts Lamb, Ferguson, and the new rookie in positions to succeed without over-relying on Prescott to improvise under pressure.
What This Means for Dak Prescott’s Legacy
2025 could be the make-or-break year for Dak Prescott’s career arc. While he’s already etched himself into Cowboys history with multiple playoff appearances and Pro Bowl selections, the glaring omission is a deep playoff run—let alone a Super Bowl.
With Lamb, Smith, Ferguson, and another incoming weapon, the excuses will fade. For perhaps the first time, the Cowboys will enter the season with an offensive unit that boasts a top-5 receiver, top-10 tackle, rising star tight end, and potentially a high-octane rookie who completes the puzzle.
If Prescott thrives, he cements himself as one of the great modern Cowboys. If he falls short, Jerry Jones may start looking for the next face of the franchise.