As the NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys are primed to make critical decisions that could shape their future for years to come. With a roster that’s already highly competitive, Dallas finds itself in the enviable position of looking to add pieces that could immediately impact their pursuit of the ultimate prize—another Super Bowl title. The Cowboys have a rich history of making bold moves, and 2025’s NFL Draft will likely be no different. From potential reaches to shrewd value picks, the Cowboys’ front office will need to balance short-term needs with long-term investments.
In this 3-round mock draft, we’ll take a closer look at where Dallas could be headed in this year’s draft, analyzing key areas of need, potential reaches, and players who could help solidify the Cowboys’ future while maintaining their competitive edge.
Team Needs
The Cowboys’ roster is solid in many areas, including their defense, quarterback, and wide receiver positions. However, with a few key gaps remaining, this draft is an opportunity to fine-tune a championship-caliber team. Here are the primary needs for Dallas:
- Wide Receiver: Despite having a talented receiving corps led by CeeDee Lamb, Dallas could stand to add more depth to the position. While Lamb is the clear No. 1 option, the team lacks a consistent secondary option who can create separation and produce big plays.
- Defensive Line/Edge Rusher: The Cowboys’ defense is formidable, but they could use another pass rusher to complement Micah Parsons. Adding depth to the defensive line and providing more pressure on opposing quarterbacks could elevate an already elite unit.
- Offensive Line: The Cowboys’ offensive line is aging in certain areas, and while Tyron Smith has been a staple at left tackle for years, his health and longevity are concerns. Dallas will need to find a potential future replacement and depth pieces for the line.
- Running Back: With Tony Pollard stepping into the lead back role, the Cowboys could look to add depth to their backfield. While Pollard’s versatility is valuable, a complementary back who can take some of the load off his shoulders could be crucial, particularly for a balanced offense.
- Linebacker: The Cowboys have solid linebacker play with players like Leighton Vander Esch and Damone Clark, but adding another piece to provide depth and versatility would bolster their defensive unit.
Round 1 – Wide Receiver: Jalen Hightower, Tennessee
In the first round, the Dallas Cowboys decide to take a calculated risk and go after a wide receiver who could potentially become the best value pick of the draft—Jalen Hightower from Tennessee.
Why Hightower?
Dallas already has CeeDee Lamb, a superstar in the making, but Hightower presents an intriguing option for the Cowboys’ offense. Despite being somewhat of a reach for many analysts, Hightower’s ceiling is sky-high. At 6’2” with explosive speed, Hightower brings the ability to stretch the field and create significant mismatches in the secondary. What stands out about him is his deep threat potential—his ability to take the top off a defense with his 4.3 speed is exactly what Dallas needs to complement Lamb.
Although Hightower isn’t known for his elite route running, his raw athleticism and big-play ability make him a fantastic project for Cowboys’ offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy. Pairing him with Lamb could provide the Cowboys with one of the most explosive receiving duos in the league.
The Reach?
The risk comes with his relative inexperience at the highest levels of college football. While Hightower has shown flashes of brilliance at Tennessee, he hasn’t always been the most consistent player. However, the upside is undeniable, and with the right coaching, Hightower could develop into a No. 2 receiver who can stretch the field and take some of the defensive attention away from Lamb.
Round 2 – Defensive Line: Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
The Cowboys have one of the top defenses in the NFL, largely due to the pressure created by Micah Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence, and others. However, they could certainly use another pass rusher who can consistently disrupt quarterbacks. Enter Isaiah Foskey, the standout edge rusher from Notre Dame.
Why Foskey?
Foskey is a relentless pass rusher with an incredible motor and the ability to collapse the pocket from the edge. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 265 pounds, he has the size and physicality that fits the mold of a Dallas defensive lineman. In his final season at Notre Dame, Foskey tallied 10 sacks and displayed a consistent ability to get to the quarterback. His versatility allows him to rush from both the edge and the interior, giving defensive coordinator Dan Quinn multiple ways to use him.
Pairing Foskey with Parsons would give Dallas an even more dynamic defensive front, capable of applying pressure from all angles. While he may need a year or two to develop into a full-time starter, his high upside could provide the Cowboys with a future star on the defensive line.
The Reach?
Foskey may not be as polished as some of the top edge rushers in this class, and his raw athleticism is a bit inconsistent. He’ll need to refine his pass-rushing techniques and become more disciplined in his play. However, with the coaching of Quinn, Foskey could elevate his game quickly and provide immediate depth to the Cowboys’ defensive line.
Round 3 – Running Back: Zach Evans, Ole Miss
With Tony Pollard stepping into the lead back role for the Cowboys, adding another dynamic running back to the roster could provide invaluable depth and a balanced approach to their offense. Zach Evans from Ole Miss is the ideal candidate in the third round.
Why Evans?
Evans is an explosive back who can contribute both as a runner and a pass-catcher. His vision and ability to accelerate through holes make him a dangerous weapon in the open field. At Ole Miss, Evans consistently demonstrated his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. With Pollard likely to be featured heavily in the Cowboys’ offense, Evans would be a great complement to him, providing a change-of-pace option who can excel on passing downs.
The Reach?
Evans has had a somewhat tumultuous college career, marked by a few injuries and inconsistency at times. However, his physical tools—such as his 4.4 speed and 6’0” frame—make him a tempting option for a team looking to bolster its backfield. The Cowboys’ offensive line should open up enough holes for Evans to showcase his talents, and his versatility would allow him to contribute immediately, even as a rotational back.
Round 3 (Compensatory Pick) – Offensive Line: Olu Fashanu, Penn State
Dallas’ offensive line, though solid, is aging, and with Tyron Smith’s future uncertain, securing a developmental tackle for the future should be a priority. Enter Olu Fashanu, a talented offensive lineman from Penn State who could provide depth at tackle and eventually emerge as a long-term solution.
Why Fashanu?
Fashanu is a physical specimen with great size at 6’6″ and 325 pounds. He possesses great mobility for his size and excels in both run blocking and pass protection. His quick feet and long arms make him a solid pass protector who can eventually challenge for a starting job. With a year or two to develop behind Smith, Fashanu could emerge as a starting tackle for the Cowboys’ future.
The Reach?
Fashanu is a developmental player who still has some raw areas to his game. While he has immense physical potential, he will need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL. Nevertheless, the Cowboys can afford to be patient with him, and Fashanu’s upside is too great to ignore. He could ultimately become a key piece of the offensive line for years to come.
Final Thoughts
While the Cowboys’ roster is already strong, this mock draft illustrates how they can make strategic moves to secure long-term success while still competing at a high level. By adding a deep threat like Jalen Hightower, a pass rusher like Isaiah Foskey, and a developmental offensive tackle like Olu Fashanu, Dallas could solidify its standing as a true Super Bowl contender for years to come.
Each of these picks involves a bit of risk, whether in the form of reaching for a player with raw potential or selecting a player who needs time to develop. However, the Cowboys have the talent and depth to make such moves, and their ability to roll the dice on these high-ceiling players could pay off in the long run. As always, the success of these draft picks will depend not just on the players’ development, but also on how well they mesh with the team’s established core. If these picks hit, the Cowboys could find themselves a championship team for years to come.