Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 NFL Draft: A Comprehensive Breakdown of Picks and Strategy
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a host of strategic decisions ahead of them. With 10 total picks, including compensatory selections, this draft will be crucial for the Cowboys to bolster their roster and regain a competitive edge after a 7-10 season that saw them miss the playoffs. The Cowboys are well-positioned to address key weaknesses, capitalize on the talent pool, and shape their future with a combination of young prospects and immediate contributors.
This detailed breakdown covers the Cowboys’ draft picks, their strategy for addressing team needs, and how the franchise can navigate this pivotal draft. Here’s an in-depth look at the Cowboys’ draft selections and how they might utilize them to improve their roster.
Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 NFL Draft Picks
The Cowboys have 10 draft picks in total, including multiple compensatory selections, that will allow them to fill gaps in their roster and potentially make a splash in the upcoming season. Here’s the full list of Dallas’ picks for each round:
First Round (12th Overall)
Dallas holds the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which is a critical selection. The team has not had a pick this high since 2021 when they selected linebacker Micah Parsons, who has turned out to be one of the best defensive players in the NFL. With this pick, the Cowboys have the chance to select an elite talent. The primary areas of focus at this stage are likely to be offensive line, wide receiver, and running back, as these positions are seen as major needs.
The Cowboys could choose to trade up or down depending on how the draft board shakes out, but with the 12th pick, they are guaranteed to be in the mix for a top-tier prospect. Players like offensive linemen, wide receivers, or a dynamic running back could be in play for the Cowboys at this spot.
Second Round (44th Overall)
The Cowboys will have a pick in the second round at 44th overall, which gives them a solid chance to secure an immediate contributor. This pick should allow the Cowboys to address their depth at key positions. Whether it’s bolstering the offensive line with a player like Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson or adding a weapon for quarterback Dak Prescott, the Cowboys will need to be strategic with this selection.
Potential positions of need here include wide receiver, defensive back, and interior offensive linemen. A second-round pick can bring in a player who might be able to start right away or make an immediate impact as a rotational piece.
Third Round (76th Overall)
In the third round, Dallas has the 76th overall pick, and this will be another opportunity to secure high potential talent. The Cowboys may look at upgrading their secondary, with cornerbacks and safeties among the available positions that need depth. The team could also look to address the wide receiver position, adding more firepower alongside CeeDee Lamb.
Another option here could be to draft a developmental offensive lineman or even a pass rusher to continue building on their defensive front.
Fifth Round (148th Overall)
Dallas will make their first of several fifth-round selections at 148th overall. Fifth-round picks tend to be developmental players or special teams contributors, so the Cowboys may look for high-ceiling prospects who could turn into stars down the road. This pick could also be used to address depth needs, particularly at positions like defensive tackle or linebacker.
The Cowboys could also use this pick to add a tight end or running back, particularly someone who can contribute in situational plays, such as a short-yardage back or a blocking tight end.
Fifth Round (168th Overall) – Compensatory Pick
One of Dallas’ compensatory picks comes in the fifth round at 168th overall. Compensatory picks are awarded to teams who lose more or better free agents than they sign in a given year, and the Cowboys have received additional picks as part of this process.
With this pick, the Cowboys could target a player to shore up special teams, such as a kicker, punter, or a wide receiver who can contribute on punt returns or kickoffs. Compensatory picks are often used for high-risk, high-reward players, and Dallas could take a gamble on a player who fell down draft boards due to injury or other factors.
Fifth Round (170th Overall) – Compensatory Pick
The Cowboys hold a third compensatory pick in the fifth round at 170th overall. This additional pick is another opportunity to build depth on the roster, especially in areas where the team may be weaker. Whether it’s adding another piece to the defensive line or improving the depth in the secondary, this pick is key to Dallas’ draft strategy.
Fifth Round (171st Overall) – Compensatory Pick
This pick, the third compensatory selection in the fifth round at 171st overall, adds to Dallas’ versatility in the draft. It will likely be used to secure an additional depth piece, possibly a linebacker or defensive back, as the Cowboys look to shore up their defense and build more rotational pieces that can step in during games.
Fifth Round (174th Overall) – Compensatory Pick
The fourth compensatory pick in the fifth round is at 174th overall. With this selection, Dallas will have more flexibility to take a player with a higher ceiling, even if that player may need some time to develop. They could look for a pass rusher or a player who can contribute to special teams right away, depending on how the draft board looks.
Sixth Round (187th Overall)
The Cowboys will make a pick in the sixth round at 187th overall. In the sixth round, Dallas may select a player who has the potential to develop into a starter but needs more time to adjust to the NFL level. This pick might be used to target a wide receiver, tight end, or another offensive or defensive lineman to continue building out the trenches.
Seventh Round (209th Overall) – Compensatory Pick
The final pick of Dallas’ 2025 draft comes in the seventh round at 209th overall, which is another compensatory selection. At this point in the draft, the Cowboys will likely be looking for a developmental player with upside. This pick could be used to secure a player who could provide depth for the team in a position of need or who could provide special teams value in the immediate future.
Key Areas of Focus for the Cowboys
Running Back
One of the most significant needs for the Dallas Cowboys going into the 2025 NFL Draft is at running back. With the departure of Tony Pollard and other roster changes, the Cowboys are in need of a dynamic ball carrier to complement Dak Prescott and the offense. Players like TreVeyon Henderson of Ohio State or Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss could be perfect fits for the Cowboys’ offensive scheme. These players bring excellent vision, burst, and receiving ability out of the backfield, which could help the team’s running game.
Wide Receiver
CeeDee Lamb has established himself as the Cowboys’ number one wide receiver, but there is a need for additional weapons on the outside. The Cowboys could look to add a young, explosive receiver through the draft, targeting players like Matthew Golden of Texas or Luther Burden III of Missouri, who could provide an immediate boost to the passing attack.
Offensive Line
Another critical area the Cowboys will need to address is their offensive line. The Cowboys have been known for their strong offensive line play, but with aging players and potential free-agent departures, this could be a priority in the draft. Donovan Jackson from Ohio State, who has shown great versatility, is one player who could help shore up the line.
Defensive Backfield
The Cowboys’ defense has been a strength over the last few seasons, but they could use more depth in their secondary. With the acquisition of Kaiir Elam, a cornerback from the Buffalo Bills, Dallas has made strides to address this issue. However, adding a high-ceiling safety or cornerback could further solidify their defense. This pick could come in the form of a player like Jair Brown or Antonio Johnson.
Defensive Line and Pass Rush
While the Cowboys’ defensive line has been strong, adding a pass rusher or defensive tackle is always a smart move. Players who could contribute in both the interior and on the edge will be a priority.
Dallas Cowboys’ Draft Strategy: Trade Potential and Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages Dallas has heading into the 2025 NFL Draft is the number of picks they hold, including compensatory picks. This gives them flexibility to either move up in the draft or trade down to gain more assets for the future. The team could trade up to secure a top-tier player or down to accumulate more future picks.
The Cowboys’ flexibility with these compensatory picks, combined with their significant cap space, could make them a prime candidate for trades during the draft.