As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, analysts, fans, and experts alike are anticipating the next big moves from the Dallas Cowboys. With the draft order set, the Cowboys’ decision-making process is critical to shaping their roster for the upcoming season. After a disappointing end to the 2024 season, where they fell short in the playoffs yet again, many have questioned the team’s direction and whether they’re doing enough to close the gap between themselves and the top teams in the NFC, such as the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.
In this context, one analyst has raised an urgent plea for the Cowboys to make a bold move in the draft. The idea is clear: the Cowboys need to take a calculated risk in order to propel themselves back into true Super Bowl contention. This move could potentially transform their fortunes and set them up for a championship run. But, the question remains: will they heed the call?
The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 Season: A Time for Reflection
The 2024 Dallas Cowboys season was filled with high expectations, yet once again, the team came up short when it mattered most. They finished with a solid regular-season record, securing a playoff spot and even winning their Wild Card matchup. However, in the Divisional Round, they were eliminated by a familiar nemesis—the San Francisco 49ers—who have become a dominant force in the NFC in recent years.
While the Cowboys have a number of playmakers on both sides of the ball—quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Tony Pollard, and defensive standouts like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs—they remain stuck in a holding pattern. Their offense, despite having weapons, often lacks the consistency and explosiveness to match the league’s elite teams. The defense, while top-tier, has struggled to close out games and handle the pressure in high-stakes moments.
The truth is, the Cowboys have enough talent to be a Super Bowl contender, but they are still missing that final ingredient—an elite, game-changing move that could push them over the top. As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, it is clear that the Cowboys need more than just a solid draft class. They need a bold move that addresses specific needs and elevates the team in a meaningful way.
Why a Bold Move Is Needed
Analysts have long discussed the Cowboys’ inability to fully capitalize on their roster’s talent. Every year, it seems like they are “one piece away” from truly competing for a Super Bowl. The offense is efficient but lacks that top-tier explosive playmaker—an extra weapon for Prescott that could turn a good offense into a great one. Meanwhile, the defense is anchored by Parsons, but the team has been inconsistent in generating pressure and creating turnovers outside of him.
While the team’s weaknesses are clear, so too are its strengths. Prescott is still a top-tier quarterback when healthy, and the backfield is more than capable of taking pressure off the passing game. The receiving corps, led by CeeDee Lamb, has the potential to be a top unit in the league. On defense, Parsons is one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL, while Diggs offers elite ball-hawking ability.
The Cowboys are not far off from being true Super Bowl contenders—they just need that one game-changing move to put them in the conversation with the very best teams in the NFC. And that move, according to analysts, could come in the form of a bold trade or a risky pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Analyst’s Bold Proposal
The analyst, who has been closely following the Cowboys’ roster construction and the upcoming draft, suggests the team needs to trade up in the draft to secure a game-changing playmaker. This would require a significant commitment of future assets—perhaps even sacrificing some of their established depth—but it could completely change the trajectory of the team’s title hopes.
The analyst’s plea centers around the idea that the Cowboys need to stop playing it safe. While draft picks are valuable assets, the window for winning a Super Bowl with Prescott and the current roster is limited. The Cowboys must act aggressively, targeting specific positions that could make an immediate and lasting impact.
Targeting the Offensive Playmaker: A Game-Changing Wide Receiver or Tight End
One of the key areas the analyst highlights is the wide receiver position. Despite having CeeDee Lamb, who is undeniably a top-tier talent, the Cowboys have lacked that second explosive playmaker on the outside. The inconsistency of Michael Gallup and the limited contributions from Brandin Cooks have hindered the offense’s ability to keep opposing defenses honest. The team needs a dynamic weapon that can stretch the field, create mismatches, and complement Lamb.
The 2025 draft class features several wide receivers who could become instant game-changers. Names like Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State, Kayshon Boutte from LSU, and Xavier Worthy from Texas have been widely discussed as potential high picks. Harrison, in particular, is often compared to some of the top receivers in the league due to his size, speed, and route-running ability. Adding a player like Harrison could allow the Cowboys to unlock the full potential of their offense, creating a more balanced and dynamic attack.
Alternatively, the analyst suggests that the Cowboys could look at the tight end position. Tight end has been a weak spot in recent years, with Dalton Schultz leaving for free agency. The Cowboys could target a top tight end prospect, such as Brock Bowers from Georgia or Michael Mayer from Notre Dame. A player with the ability to block in the run game while also being a mismatch in the passing game would give Dak Prescott an invaluable weapon, both as a safety net and as a vertical threat.
Bolstering the Defense: A Playmaker in the Secondary or Edge Rush
The other area where a bold move could pay dividends is the defense, particularly in the secondary and pass rush. While Micah Parsons is an absolute monster, the Cowboys need more than just him to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. The defensive line has shown flashes but lacks that true, dominant edge rusher opposite Parsons. Adding another top pass rusher could create one of the most fearsome defensive fronts in the league.
Additionally, the Cowboys’ secondary, while talented, has not been able to shut down top-tier wide receivers consistently. Adding another elite cornerback or safety could shore up the back end of the defense. Kool-Aid McKinstry, a top cornerback from Alabama, or Jalen Catalon, a hard-hitting safety from Arkansas, could give the Cowboys a much-needed boost.
This is where the analyst believes the Cowboys need to get creative. While Parsons provides pressure, he cannot do it all. The Cowboys need more depth, more talent, and more game-changing players to solidify their defense and make it a true Super Bowl-caliber unit.
Why Now? The Cowboys’ Window Is Closing
The most urgent reason for the Cowboys to make a bold move in this draft is the timing. With Dak Prescott entering his 30s and several key players like DeMarcus Lawrence and Tyron Smith nearing the end of their careers, the window for the Cowboys to contend is narrowing. Prescott still has several good years left in him, but with the team’s salary cap situation and the aging of some of its stars, now is the time to go all-in.
The NFC is not getting any easier, with teams like the Eagles and 49ers consistently strengthening their rosters. The Cowboys cannot afford to sit idly by while other teams load up on talent. The 2025 draft offers a unique opportunity for the Cowboys to make a bold move that could tilt the balance in their favor.
The Risks of Playing It Safe
The downside to playing it safe is clear. While the Cowboys could select solid players in their current draft position and continue their strategy of gradual improvement, there’s no guarantee that such an approach will put them over the top. The NFC is loaded with talented teams, and the Cowboys risk being left behind if they don’t make a bold move to secure a game-changing player.
The analyst’s plea emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks. In the NFL, staying stagnant and hoping for incremental improvement can often result in mediocrity. The Cowboys have the pieces in place—they just need to make a move that could unlock their full potential.