As the NFL offseason enters full swing, all eyes are on the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Dallas Cowboys are primed to make key decisions that will affect their immediate future. The Cowboys are looking to improve their roster to ensure they are a serious contender for the NFC East and a Super Bowl title. With a rich history, loyal fan base, and high expectations, the Cowboys’ 2025 draft strategy will be crucial for their success.
A Look Back: Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 Season
Before diving into the draft, it’s important to understand the context surrounding the Cowboys’ needs. The 2024 season for Dallas ended with a 7-10 record, marking a year of disappointment and underachievement. While the offense showed flashes of brilliance under quarterback Dak Prescott, inconsistency marred their overall performance. The defense, traditionally one of the strongest in the NFL, also faced difficulties at key moments. Injuries, questionable decisions, and lack of depth contributed to the Cowboys falling short of their high expectations.
In response to these issues, Dallas has turned its attention to the 2025 draft, hoping to add the right talent to the roster and make a serious push in the NFC.
Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 Draft Capital
The Cowboys enter the 2025 NFL Draft armed with several key draft picks, which they can use to address both immediate needs and long-term goals. Their capital is as follows:
- First Round (12th Overall) – The Cowboys will have the 12th pick in the first round, which offers an excellent opportunity to snag a high-impact player who can contribute immediately.
- Second Round (44th Overall) – A second-round pick that could help bolster depth or add a potential starter at a key position.
- Third Round – The Cowboys could use this pick to add more talent to their defense or offensive line.
- Fifth Round – Typically, fifth-round selections are used for depth and developmental players, but there are often diamonds in the rough to be found here.
- Sixth Round – Another opportunity for Dallas to make a strategic selection, possibly to add future contributors or special teams players.
- Seventh Round – With an additional seventh-round pick gained from a trade with the Carolina Panthers, the Cowboys have another chance to take a flyer on a high-potential player.
Team Needs: Identifying Areas to Address in the 2025 Draft
As the Cowboys look forward to the 2025 NFL Draft, they must assess where their roster needs improvement and focus their draft efforts accordingly. With the team still reeling from their disappointing season, there are several key areas where the Cowboys can make significant improvements:
1. Wide Receiver
One of the most glaring needs for the Cowboys is the wide receiver position. While CeeDee Lamb has established himself as a bona fide star, the Cowboys lack a true complement to his skills. Michael Gallup has been inconsistent, and the team has not been able to rely on any other receivers to take pressure off Lamb.
This year, the Cowboys are expected to focus on adding a high-end wide receiver in the first or second round, with the hope that the addition can help Dak Prescott be more successful in 2025.
Key Targets
- Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona, 6’5”): McMillan is a highly touted receiver who could complement Lamb with his size, athleticism, and ability to stretch the field. His physicality and ability to dominate contested catches make him an intriguing option for the Cowboys.
- Jalen Hood-Schifino (Penn State): Another potential target, Hood-Schifino is known for his smooth route-running and ability to get open on intermediate routes, which could make him a great fit for Prescott.
There is a lot of buzz around the Cowboys potentially trading up in the draft to secure one of the top wideouts, especially McMillan, who could be a key difference-maker.
2. Running Back
The running back position also needs to be addressed, particularly with the departure of veteran running back Rico Dowdle. While the Cowboys signed Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams during the offseason, they are still looking for an additional dynamic piece to the backfield.
Dallas is looking for a running back who can be a true three-down player — someone who can run the ball with power, catch passes out of the backfield, and block effectively. With the aging of current running backs and their inconsistent performances, the Cowboys need to bring in a young, talented player to add more depth and explosiveness to the position.
Key Targets
- Ashton Jeanty (Boise State): Jeanty has the ability to be a feature back and has impressed scouts with his vision, speed, and balance. He could be the kind of back that fits Dallas’ needs.
- Kyle Monangai (Rutgers): A potential mid-round pick, Monangai has shown excellent burst and vision. The Cowboys could look to him as a backup to Sanders or Williams with the potential to be a future starter.
3. Defensive Line
The Cowboys’ defensive line has been one of the team’s strong points in recent years, with standout players like DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons leading the charge. However, the interior defensive line could use some reinforcements, especially with the departure of key veterans and some inconsistent play at times.
Dallas is likely to target a high-impact defensive tackle or defensive end who can clog up running lanes, pressure the quarterback, and add depth to the defense.
Key Targets
- Kenneth Grant (Michigan): Known for his massive frame and run-stopping ability, Grant could be a key addition to the Cowboys’ interior defensive line. He would add size and strength to an already solid defensive front.
- T.J. Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati): A disruptive force who excels at getting pressure on quarterbacks and disrupting plays behind the line of scrimmage, Corleone would be a great fit for the Cowboys’ defensive scheme.
4. Offensive Line
While the Cowboys’ offensive line is generally solid, it’s aging, and they may need to start thinking about the future of their line. If there’s an opportunity to add an impactful player, the Cowboys may target an offensive lineman to develop behind veterans like Tyron Smith and Zack Martin.
The addition of an offensive tackle or interior lineman could provide insurance in case of injury and also help create better protection for Prescott.
Key Targets
- Joe Alt (Notre Dame): A highly regarded offensive tackle with excellent footwork and power, Alt would be a great addition for depth and future protection of Dak Prescott.
5. Linebacker
Though the Cowboys have strong linebackers in the form of Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch, depth remains a concern. The team could look to add a linebacker with a high ceiling who can contribute immediately or develop behind the veterans.
Key Targets
- Jalen Alexander (Georgia): Known for his athleticism and leadership qualities, Alexander could be a valuable addition to the linebacker corps and add depth to an already talented group.
Mock Draft Projections and Predictions
Several NFL analysts have weighed in on who the Cowboys could select with their first few picks in the 2025 Draft. While there are many directions the Cowboys could go, it’s clear that addressing their weaknesses will be a top priority.
- First Round (12th Overall):
- Tetairoa McMillan (Wide Receiver, Arizona) – As mentioned earlier, McMillan has all the traits of a number one wide receiver and could be exactly what the Cowboys need to take their offense to the next level. His size and athleticism would complement CeeDee Lamb perfectly.
- Second Round (44th Overall):
- Kenneth Grant (Defensive Tackle, Michigan) – Grant could be an ideal pick to shore up the interior defensive line, helping to stop the run and apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
- Third Round:
- Ashton Jeanty (Running Back, Boise State) – Jeanty could be an explosive option for the Cowboys backfield and a great value pick at this point in the draft.
- Fourth Round (Via Trade):
- T.J. Dontay Corleone (Defensive Tackle, Cincinnati) – A great value in the fourth round, Corleone could be a disruptive force alongside Grant on the defensive line.