Breaking: The Cowboys’ 5-Round Mock Draft Shows Huge Trades to Address Key Departures
The Dallas Cowboys have been a consistent playoff contender for years, but they face several key challenges heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. With multiple crucial departures, including key veterans on both sides of the ball, the Cowboys are at a crossroads. In a bold move to address these gaps, the Cowboys’ 5-round mock draft shows a series of significant trades aimed at reshaping the roster and setting the team up for long-term success.
In this article, we will break down the key trades and selections that Dallas could make in the 2025 NFL Draft, and how these moves will help address the significant losses the team has suffered. From offensive line woes to defensive depth concerns, the Cowboys are poised to make impactful decisions that could define their season.
Key Departures: What Dallas Needs
The Cowboys have experienced some difficult departures in recent seasons. Whether through free agency or retirement, these players have left significant holes that must be filled if Dallas wants to continue competing for NFC championships. Let’s take a look at some of the notable losses.
- Tyron Smith (Tackle): Smith, one of the league’s premier tackles, has had his fair share of injuries in recent years, leading to his eventual departure. Losing him leaves a massive void on the offensive line, particularly at left tackle. Smith’s experience and leadership in the trenches were crucial to the Cowboys’ offensive success, and finding his replacement will be a high priority in this draft.
- Ezekiel Elliott (Running Back): After a storied career in Dallas, Elliott was released to free up cap space. Although Tony Pollard is an explosive playmaker, Elliott’s departure leaves the team needing depth and a complementary back to Pollard’s skillset.
- Leighton Vander Esch (Linebacker): Vander Esch has been a key member of the Cowboys’ defense for years. His departure leaves a hole in the linebacking corps, one that needs to be filled by a reliable tackler who can contribute immediately.
- Connor McGovern (Guard): A key part of the Cowboys’ offensive line rotation, McGovern’s exit has left a gap at guard. The team will need to address the interior of the line to ensure continued success in the running game and to protect quarterback Dak Prescott.
With these key departures in mind, the Cowboys have a lot of work to do during the draft. To improve the roster, Dallas will need to address both immediate needs and long-term goals. Let’s break down the Cowboys’ 5-round mock draft and see how these trades and picks could shape the team’s future.
Round 1: Big Trade Up for Offensive Line Help – Tackle or Guard
Trade: Cowboys trade up to No. 5 overall pick with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cowboys understand that securing a top-tier offensive lineman is paramount to their success in 2025. With Tyron Smith’s departure, left tackle is the most pressing need on the offensive line. The Cowboys are willing to make a bold move to jump into the top 5, trading away multiple picks to secure a game-changing talent.
In this trade, the Cowboys give up their first-round pick at No. 27, along with a future second-rounder and a third-rounder to the Arizona Cardinals, moving up to No. 5 overall. With the No. 5 pick, the Cowboys select Olumuyiwa Fashanu, an elite left tackle out of Penn State.
Why this pick makes sense: Fashanu is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in this draft class. He possesses the size (6’6″, 320 pounds) and athleticism to step in as a starting left tackle immediately. He’s a dominant pass protector and run blocker, which will provide Dak Prescott with better protection and open up running lanes for Tony Pollard. Securing Fashanu would address the Cowboys’ most pressing need and solidify the offensive line for years to come.
Round 2: Trade Down for Depth – Defensive Tackle
Trade: Cowboys trade down from No. 59 to No. 65 with the Seattle Seahawks.
With several key departures on defense, the Cowboys are looking to add depth to their defensive line. After solidifying their offensive line with the No. 5 pick, the Cowboys decide to trade down from their second-round pick at No. 59 to No. 65 overall, swapping picks with the Seattle Seahawks. In exchange, the Cowboys pick up an additional fourth-round pick to further bolster their depth.
With the No. 65 pick, the Cowboys select Trevon Vincent, a powerful defensive tackle from LSU. Vincent is a versatile lineman who can play both as a run stuffer and a pass rusher. His ability to clog up running lanes and get pressure on the quarterback makes him a valuable addition to the defensive line.
Why this pick makes sense: With Leighton Vander Esch gone, the Cowboys need more support up front to compensate for potential run defense issues. Vincent is the kind of versatile interior player who can help disrupt plays in the backfield and create space for other defenders. Adding him to the roster will help Dallas continue to be one of the top defensive units in the league.
Round 3: Linebacker to Fill Vander Esch’s Role
Pick: Cowboys select Jack Roberson, a linebacker from Alabama.
Replacing Leighton Vander Esch is no easy task, but the Cowboys know they need a player who can fill that gap in the middle of the defense. Jack Roberson from Alabama fits the bill perfectly. Roberson has been one of the most productive linebackers in college football, with the ability to both stop the run and cover in pass defense. At 6’3″ and 240 pounds, he has the ideal size for an NFL linebacker and is known for his high football IQ and leadership on the field.
Why this pick makes sense: Roberson can step in and immediately compete for a starting role at linebacker, allowing the Cowboys to keep their defense cohesive and continue to perform at a high level. His versatility and experience in big games at Alabama make him a proven commodity that could help fill the void left by Vander Esch’s departure. With his ability to contribute as both a tackler and pass defender, Roberson will provide a significant boost to the Cowboys’ defense.
Round 4: Running Back to Complement Pollard
Pick: Cowboys select Javon Curtis, a running back from Texas A&M.
With the release of Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys are left with Tony Pollard as the main back in their offense. While Pollard has shown promise as a playmaker, the Cowboys will need a reliable backup and change-of-pace back. Enter Javon Curtis from Texas A&M.
Curtis has impressed scouts with his speed, vision, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield. At 5’11” and 215 pounds, Curtis brings a physical, downhill running style while still possessing the agility to make defenders miss. He’s a versatile player who can be used in both the running and passing game.
Why this pick makes sense: Curtis is an excellent complement to Pollard, providing a solid backup who can take over when needed or spell Pollard on passing downs. Curtis’ ability to catch passes will be especially valuable in a modern offense that relies on a running back’s ability to contribute to the passing game. By adding Curtis to the roster, the Cowboys will have a one-two punch in the backfield that can keep defenses on their toes.
Round 5: Wide Receiver for Depth
Pick: Cowboys select Trevin Shultz, a wide receiver from Baylor.
The Cowboys have one of the most dynamic wide receiver units in the league with CeeDee Lamb leading the charge, but they need to add depth behind him. With this pick, the Cowboys select Trevin Shultz, a wide receiver out of Baylor. Shultz is an explosive player with excellent speed and route-running ability. At 6’2″ and 200 pounds, he has the size to be a reliable red-zone target as well.
Why this pick makes sense: Adding depth at wide receiver will give Dak Prescott more options in the passing game, which is vital for a high-powered offense. Shultz can develop into a valuable weapon behind Lamb, providing a reliable second option for Prescott. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays down the field makes him an exciting prospect for the Cowboys.
Conclusion: A Bold Draft Strategy for the Cowboys
The Cowboys have shown that they are willing to make bold moves in order to address their roster needs. By making a series of significant trades and selecting high-impact players, they are positioning themselves to contend for the NFC Championship once again.
The draft haul of Fashanu, Vincent, Roberson, Curtis, and Shultz addresses several critical areas: offensive line, defensive line, linebacker depth, running back depth, and wide receiver depth. With these selections, the Cowboys will be able to rebuild their roster quickly and efficiently, filling the void left by key departures.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Cowboys to see if they can make these bold moves and come away with the pieces necessary for another championship run.