As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in an intriguing position, balancing the need for immediate upgrades with the long-term vision of building a championship contender. With a solid roster, a strong defense, and a proven quarterback in Dak Prescott, the Cowboys are in win-now mode. However, they must also make strategic moves to address areas of need and bolster their depth for the future. In this 3-round mock draft, the Cowboys are not playing it safe but are rolling the dice on potential reaches that could pay off big in the long run.
In the NFL, teams often approach the draft with a clear strategy, but in many cases, it is about projecting a player’s growth and fitting them into a specific role within a system. The Cowboys’ front office has been known to make bold decisions, taking calculated risks to find diamonds in the rough. While the team is already in a good position, there are several areas of concern, most notably the defensive line, wide receiver, and offensive line. Dallas also faces tough decisions with aging veterans, making this draft critical in terms of building for both the short and long-term future.
The 2025 draft class features a mix of proven talent, potential stars, and players who are considered risky yet intriguing. Some of the top names might not fit immediately into Dallas’ system, but with the right coaching and development, they could emerge as difference-makers. In this mock draft, the Cowboys are not afraid to roll the dice, taking players who may have fallen under the radar but offer high upside. Let’s dive into the picks, examining the potential impact of each selection and how the Cowboys might look to make their moves.
With the 26th overall pick in the 1st round, the Cowboys have the opportunity to select an athlete who fits their defensive-heavy philosophy. While many mock drafts have Dallas targeting a wide receiver, a common theme around the league is the necessity for superior pass-rushers in the modern NFL. The Cowboys already have an elite defense, anchored by linebacker Micah Parsons, but they need help along the defensive line, especially with the possibility of losing some key players in free agency. Enter Myles Murphy, a defensive end out of Clemson who could be the game-changer the Cowboys need.
Murphy is a player with immense physical tools. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 275 pounds, he possesses a rare blend of size, power, and agility that has made him one of the top defensive prospects in the draft. While Murphy hasn’t always been consistent in terms of production, his flashes of brilliance make him a tantalizing option for a team like the Cowboys, which has the luxury of developing raw talent in a system already built on defense. With a high motor, quick burst off the edge, and the ability to take on double teams, Murphy could form a dynamic duo alongside Parsons, allowing Dallas to put even more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The risk with Murphy is his inconsistency, but if he can find more consistency in his technique, he has the tools to be an impact player.
The Cowboys could look to improve their receiving corps in the 2nd round, especially after losing some key players over the years. A young, dynamic receiver could be just what Prescott needs to take the offense to the next level. Jalen Hull, a receiver from Kentucky, may be one of those players who has flown under the radar but could pay major dividends in the right system.
Hull has excellent size and separation skills, standing at 6’4” and running solid routes. He may not have the eye-popping speed of some of the top prospects in the draft, but his ability to track the ball and make difficult catches in tight spaces could be a huge asset for a Cowboys offense that needs another reliable target alongside CeeDee Lamb. Hull’s athleticism and strong hands make him a prime candidate to develop into a No. 2 option in the Cowboys’ passing game, complementing Lamb’s ability to stretch the field.
The question with Hull is his transition to the NFL. He has the raw talent, but his competition at Kentucky was not always at the highest level, so it’s possible that he may need some time to adjust to the speed of the game. But that’s what makes him an intriguing pick for Dallas. The Cowboys can afford to be patient with Hull, knowing that they have a proven quarterback in Prescott and a deep roster that can support him as he makes the leap to the next level.
Moving to the 3rd round, the Cowboys should continue to bolster their depth and look for players who can make an impact in the near future. One area of concern for the Cowboys has been their offensive line, and while they have a solid foundation, aging veterans and potential injuries make it a position to address. Here, the Cowboys roll the dice again on a player who has plenty of upside but comes with some uncertainty—Darnell Wright, an offensive tackle out of Tennessee.
Wright is a physically imposing player, standing 6’5” and weighing over 330 pounds, and has the ability to play both tackle positions. He has proven himself as one of the better pass blockers in the nation, but his issues with consistency and technique might limit his early success in the NFL. Nonetheless, Dallas could take a chance on Wright as a developmental project, with the idea of eventually plugging him in as a starter or valuable swing tackle. He provides an opportunity to groom a player with significant upside while giving the Cowboys the flexibility to plan for the future of their offensive line.
It’s clear that the Cowboys’ offensive line will need to be addressed in the near future, especially with some key players aging or coming off injury-plagued seasons. Wright could take a few seasons to adjust to the NFL game, but with proper coaching and the right system, he could develop into a quality starter on the offensive line.
This mock draft represents a bold strategy for the Cowboys, one that focuses on taking chances on players who have the potential to be great but come with some level of risk. In a draft class filled with uncertainty, this approach could pay off if the Cowboys hit on these picks. With Murphy, Hull, and Wright, Dallas would be investing in players who fill immediate needs while also addressing long-term potential. The risk is high, but the rewards could be just as significant.
It’s important to note that while these players are seen as potential reaches, the Cowboys’ draft philosophy has often been centered on taking calculated risks. They have shown a willingness to roll the dice on players who might not be household names but who have immense talent. The hope is that, with the right development, these players can step in and contribute to the team’s success.
The reality of the 2025 NFL Draft is that the Cowboys will likely have several options at their disposal when it comes to addressing their needs. This mock draft is simply one possibility of many, but it reflects the team’s aggressive approach to building a team that can compete at the highest level while also keeping an eye on future needs. The Cowboys are at a point where they can afford to take some risks, especially when those risks come with players who have the potential to significantly improve their roster.
In conclusion, while many draft analysts may look at the Cowboys’ picks and question their decision to reach for potential talent, the team’s front office has proven time and time again that they are willing to take calculated risks. Whether or not these players pan out will ultimately depend on development and the team’s coaching staff, but with this approach, the Cowboys could be setting themselves up for sustained success both in the short and long term. This draft could be a pivotal moment in the team’s quest to return to the top of the NFL. Only time will tell if the gamble pays off, but for the Cowboys, rolling the dice on potential talent is part of their identity and could lead to the next great chapter in their storied franchise.