With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, the Dallas Cowboys appear to be narrowing their focus. According to multiple sources around the league and rumblings from team insiders, the Cowboys are “zeroing in” on two specific players with their first-round selection. Though they’ve done their due diligence across multiple position groups, all signs point to Dallas targeting a pair of top-tier prospects who could immediately fill major needs while aligning with the organization’s long-standing draft philosophy: drafting athletic, high-character players with positional versatility and Pro Bowl potential.
The two names drawing the most attention within the Cowboys’ war room are Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton and Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Each represents a different path for Dallas, and the decision could come down to how the board falls ahead of the 24th overall pick. But if both are available when Dallas is on the clock, the team may be faced with a franchise-shaping choice between shoring up the trenches or adding another weapon to an already potent but sometimes inconsistent offense.
Graham Barton checks nearly every box the Cowboys have historically prioritized along the offensive line. He’s a plug-and-play interior lineman who spent his college career playing left tackle at Duke but is widely projected as a starting-caliber center or guard at the next level. His football IQ is exceptional, his technique is polished, and his nastiness in the run game has drawn praise from coaches and scouts alike. With the departure of Tyler Biadasz in free agency and question marks lingering over the future of veteran linemen like Tyron Smith, Barton offers a high-floor, low-risk investment who could start from day one. More importantly, he gives Dallas flexibility—something they value immensely. The Cowboys have always favored offensive linemen who can play multiple positions, and Barton could realistically play anywhere along the interior depending on how the rest of the line shakes out.
The Cowboys’ offensive line, once the hallmark of their team, has slipped in recent years due to injuries, age, and turnover. While Zack Martin remains a perennial All-Pro presence, the rest of the unit has struggled to stay healthy or consistent. Dallas understands that to compete in January, they must first dominate in the trenches. Barton is not just insurance—he’s a foundational piece. In a draft that is considered top-heavy at offensive tackle but deeper on Day 2 for edge rushers and corners, the opportunity to land someone like Barton in the back half of the first round is one the Cowboys are seriously contemplating.
But while Barton would represent a safe, solid pick with long-term value, Emeka Egbuka brings a different kind of appeal—the big-play element. One of the most polished and productive wide receivers in this year’s class, Egbuka possesses elite route-running, soft hands, and the ability to line up across multiple spots. He’s not just a vertical threat—he’s a complete receiver. At Ohio State, he showcased his ability to separate from defenders, work in tight spaces, and make contested catches in critical moments. He was often overshadowed by superstar teammate Marvin Harrison Jr., but those in NFL circles believe Egbuka has all the traits of a future WR1.
The Cowboys already have a dynamic No. 1 receiver in CeeDee Lamb and a reliable veteran in Brandin Cooks, but beyond that, the depth chart becomes murky. Jalen Tolbert has flashed potential, and KaVontae Turpin offers return value, but neither has solidified a long-term role in the offense. Adding Egbuka would give Dallas a lethal trio capable of stretching defenses horizontally and vertically, offering Prescott more options and making it difficult for opponents to key in on any one target. It would also provide crucial insurance should Lamb’s contract situation turn complicated in the coming months.
It’s no secret that Jerry Jones has always had a soft spot for skill position players who generate buzz and can sell jerseys, but this potential pick is about more than sizzle—it’s about fit. Mike McCarthy’s offense requires precision and timing. Egbuka’s elite route-running and understanding of spacing make him an ideal fit for the system. He can take short passes and turn them into long gains, work the middle of the field, and serve as a reliable red zone target. He also comes from a pro-style system at Ohio State that has produced NFL-ready receivers like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in recent years. The track record is there, and the Cowboys are clearly intrigued by what Egbuka could bring to the table.
What makes this decision so complex for Dallas is that both Barton and Egbuka address real needs, just in different ways. Barton helps the Cowboys protect Prescott, maintain balance in the run game, and win at the line of scrimmage. Egbuka provides another high-end weapon to help Prescott take the offense to the next level. And with the NFC still wide open behind teams like San Francisco and Philadelphia, the Cowboys know that adding just one or two impact players could make the difference between another early playoff exit and a legitimate Super Bowl run.
One variable that could impact their decision is how the board falls leading up to their pick. If a run on offensive linemen starts earlier than expected—something many draft analysts anticipate—the Cowboys might feel pressured to take Barton before he’s off the board. Conversely, if there’s a surprising slide among wide receivers due to team needs or positional value, Egbuka could be available later than projected. It’s a chess game, and Dallas has a history of letting the board come to them while sticking to their draft grades.
Another factor is the level of confidence the Cowboys have in their ability to find starters on Day 2 and Day 3. In recent years, they’ve struck gold in later rounds with picks like DaRon Bland and Tony Pollard, suggesting the front office trusts its ability to develop talent beyond round one. If they believe they can find an interior lineman or receiver on Day 2, that could sway their first-round decision. But the reality is, top-tier talent is rarely available outside the first 32 picks. And both Barton and Egbuka are widely seen as players who won’t last beyond the early second round.
The Cowboys also have to consider the age and contract status of their current core. With players like Zack Martin nearing the twilight of their careers and CeeDee Lamb potentially eyeing a market-resetting extension, Dallas must think long-term. Drafting Barton gives them stability up front for the next decade, something every contending team needs. Drafting Egbuka gives them a hedge against future receiver attrition and raises the ceiling of their offense.
Sources close to the organization have indicated that the Cowboys have spent significant time with both players during the pre-draft process. Barton was one of the team’s formal interviews at the NFL Combine and reportedly impressed with his football intelligence and leadership. Egbuka, meanwhile, had a top-30 visit with the team and has been on their radar since early in the college football season. The interest is real, and the decision-makers inside The Star are said to be split, with strong advocates for both players making their case in draft meetings.
Ultimately, the pick may reflect how Dallas sees itself in 2025. If they believe the offensive line is the foundation of their identity, Barton makes the most sense. If they’re leaning into the modern NFL’s emphasis on explosive passing attacks and elite weapons, Egbuka becomes the natural choice. Either way, the Cowboys are unlikely to regret the selection. Both players are mature, coachable, and prepared for the leap to the professional level.
For fans, the debate is equally intriguing. Some are clamoring for protection for Prescott and a commitment to winning in the trenches. Others want to see the Cowboys build one of the most feared receiving corps in the league. It’s a good problem to have—choosing between two potential stars who can help the team win now and in the future.
The clock is ticking, and the war room is buzzing. The Dallas Cowboys are zeroing in on their guy. The only question now is which path they’ll take—a road paved with grit and power or one lined with speed and flair. Either way, the franchise’s 2025 draft will likely be defined by this single, pivotal choice. And if history is any guide, the Cowboys will make it loudly, boldly, and with the entire football world watching.
