The Dallas Cowboys have a storied franchise history, filled with triumphs, setbacks, and a relentless pursuit of success. As the NFL Draft approaches, the Cowboys face a crucial moment in their journey to reclaim the pinnacle of professional football. In recent years, Dallas has been a perennial contender, often making deep playoff runs but falling short of Super Bowl glory. With key players on both sides of the ball entering their prime and others nearing the end of their careers, the 2025 NFL Draft could be a pivotal point in shaping the Cowboys’ future.
Dane Brugler, a respected NFL Draft expert from The Athletic, has released his 7-round mock draft for the Cowboys, offering a glimpse into the team’s potential strategies for the upcoming draft. Brugler’s analysis takes into account the Cowboys’ needs, current roster construction, and the dynamic nature of the NFL. This mock draft outlines a series of selections designed to bolster the roster across several critical positions. It is a glimpse into the future of America’s Team, combining insight with predictions that could lay the foundation for the team’s next great chapter.
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2025 draft with several key needs, including bolstering their offensive line, strengthening their secondary, and adding playmakers on both sides of the ball. With a solid defense that has been the backbone of the team’s success, the focus now shifts to improving offensive production and ensuring long-term stability in key areas. With that in mind, let’s dive into Brugler’s 7-round mock draft for the Cowboys, breaking down the selections and their potential impact on the franchise.
The Cowboys’ first-round pick in this mock draft falls at number 24 overall, which is a middle-of-the-pack selection for a team that has made significant strides in recent years. Brugler has the Cowboys addressing their offensive line in the first round, choosing to invest in the protection of their franchise quarterback, Dak Prescott. After losing key offensive line pieces in recent years due to free agency and retirements, Dallas needs to reload in the trenches. Brugler’s pick here is offensive tackle, a position of immediate need and one that could secure Prescott’s future in the pocket for years to come.
The player selected in this mock draft is Iowa offensive tackle, Connor Colby. A mammoth presence on the line, Colby brings both size and athleticism to a team that thrives on a powerful, ground-and-pound offense. Colby’s ability to control defenders at the point of attack makes him a perfect fit for the Cowboys’ scheme, which often relies on a strong running game. With Tyron Smith’s career nearing its end and uncertainty surrounding the rest of the offensive line, adding Colby to the mix could offer long-term stability.
Colby is a versatile lineman, capable of playing both tackle spots or even kicking inside to guard if necessary. His ability to anchor in pass protection and his lateral movement are areas where he excels. In a division with tough defensive fronts like those of the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders, Colby’s skills would be invaluable in ensuring Prescott has time to execute the offense. As a rookie, Colby could provide immediate competition for a starting spot and eventually develop into a cornerstone piece for the Cowboys’ offensive line for years to come.
In the second round, Brugler has the Cowboys addressing their defense with a pick aimed at improving their secondary. Despite boasting an impressive defensive unit, the Cowboys have had issues with consistency in their cornerback room. While Trevon Diggs is a star, Dallas needs to find a reliable partner for him to ensure the defense remains elite. Brugler’s selection here is Oregon cornerback, Kool-Aid McKinstry.
McKinstry is a dynamic playmaker with a natural ability to read quarterbacks and break on the ball. He possesses exceptional ball skills and is not afraid to step up and make a tackle in the run game. His physicality at the line of scrimmage and his ability to mirror receivers in man coverage make him a strong fit for the Cowboys’ defensive scheme. Pairing McKinstry with Diggs would create one of the most formidable cornerback tandems in the NFL, allowing Dallas to shut down opposing passing attacks and make life difficult for quarterbacks in the NFC East.
With the third-round pick, Brugler targets the Cowboys’ defensive line, an area that could use depth and youth to complement an already talented front seven. Dallas has had significant success with players like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, but adding another disruptive force would provide the team with even more flexibility and power on defense. Brugler selects Clemson defensive lineman, Bryan Bresee, with this pick.
Bresee is a dynamic interior defender capable of wrecking havoc in the backfield. His combination of size, strength, and quickness makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. Bresee has the versatility to play both defensive tackle positions and could even contribute as a pass-rusher from the edge in certain situations. His ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt plays in the middle of the field would add another layer of pressure to a defense already loaded with talent.
The Cowboys’ defensive scheme thrives on pressure, and Bresee’s ability to push the pocket could open up opportunities for the team’s edge rushers, including Parsons and Lawrence, to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. This selection would not only improve the pass rush but also solidify the interior defense against the run, making it even harder for opponents to establish a balanced offense.
In the fourth round, Brugler pivots back to the offense, addressing the Cowboys’ need for more weapons in the passing game. Despite having CeeDee Lamb as a top-tier wide receiver, Dallas lacks depth at the position. Michael Gallup has had injury issues, and other receivers have yet to emerge as consistent contributors. Brugler selects Mississippi wide receiver, Quinshon Judkins, with this pick.
Judkins is a versatile playmaker who excels at creating separation and making contested catches. His quickness off the line of scrimmage, paired with his ability to track the ball downfield, makes him a dangerous weapon in the Cowboys’ offense. As a big-bodied receiver with a knack for scoring touchdowns, Judkins could provide Dak Prescott with another reliable target in the red zone. His physicality and playmaking ability would make him a perfect complement to Lamb, giving the Cowboys a dynamic receiving corps capable of stretching the field and making big plays in critical situations.
In the fifth round, Brugler continues to address the defensive side of the ball, selecting another cornerback. The Cowboys could always use more depth and competition in the secondary, especially with some uncertainty surrounding the team’s cornerback depth chart beyond Diggs and McKinstry. Brugler selects Florida State cornerback, Jarrian Jones, with this pick.
Jones is a tough, physical corner who excels at pressing receivers at the line of scrimmage. He has the size and strength to battle with bigger wideouts while also possessing the agility to stay with smaller, quicker receivers. While he may need some development to adjust to the NFL’s speed, Jones has the potential to become a solid contributor in Dallas’ defense, providing additional depth in a position that often experiences injuries throughout a season.
Brugler’s sixth-round pick is another focus on bolstering the defense, with the Cowboys selecting Wyoming linebacker, Easton Frazier. Frazier is a versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside in a 4-3 defense. He is known for his ability to diagnose plays and make quick decisions on the field, excelling against both the run and the pass. With Leighton Vander Esch’s future uncertain and the need for added depth in the linebacker room, Frazier could step in as a valuable rotational player and future starter.
Finally, with the Cowboys’ seventh-round pick, Brugler rounds out the draft by selecting a developmental quarterback. With Prescott firmly entrenched as the starter, the Cowboys would benefit from finding a young quarterback to develop behind him. Brugler selects Kansas State quarterback, Will Howard, who has shown flashes of potential but still has plenty of room for growth. Howard could serve as a backup and potential future trade asset while getting valuable experience in the NFL.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads. With a talented roster and Super Bowl aspirations, they must continue to build their team with an eye toward the future. Brugler’s 7-round mock draft offers a glimpse into the possibilities, showcasing a mix of offensive and defensive selections that could help the Cowboys continue their march toward a championship. Whether it’s securing the offensive line, adding playmakers to the defense, or finding depth in key positions, this draft could be the start of something special for America’s Team.