The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2025 NFL Draft in a pivotal position. Following an up-and-down 2024 season defined by defensive inconsistencies and injuries in the secondary, the Cowboys know they need to shore up their cornerback depth. With Stephon Gilmore aging, Trevon Diggs returning from injury, and DaRon Bland emerging as a rising star, Dallas still needs to bolster its pass defense if it wants to keep up in the ultra-competitive NFC.
Fortunately for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office, the 2025 NFL Draft offers a deep and diverse crop of cornerback talent. From shutdown perimeter defenders to sticky slot specialists, there’s no shortage of prospects who could contribute immediately and make Dan Quinn’s (or his successor’s) defense more formidable.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the Cowboys’ top five cornerback prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft — players who not only match their defensive philosophy but also align with the franchise’s long-term vision.
1. Will Johnson – Michigan
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 202 lbs
Projected Round: Top 10
2024 Stats (Junior Season): 39 tackles, 4 INTs, 14 PBUs
Why He Fits Dallas:
Will Johnson is the premier cornerback in the 2025 class. As a true lockdown defender, he combines elite footwork, fluid hips, and high football IQ with ideal size. He’s shown consistent ability to erase an opponent’s WR1, which is exactly what the Cowboys lacked when Diggs went down last season.
Dan Quinn’s scheme — or Mike Zimmer’s, if the coaching staff turns over — demands versatility and toughness from its corners. Johnson thrives in both man and zone coverages and has drawn comparisons to Jalen Ramsey. His long arms and quick reaction time allow him to break up passes with ease, and he has the confidence to handle press coverage against elite wideouts.
Cowboys’ Outlook:
The Cowboys would likely have to trade up into the top 10 to secure Johnson. That may seem like a steep price, but with their Super Bowl window still cracked open and secondary issues glaring, he’s the kind of game-changing talent worth moving up for.
2. Travis Hunter – Colorado
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 185 lbs
Projected Round: Mid to Late First
2024 Stats (Defense): 35 tackles, 3 INTs, 10 PBUs
2024 Stats (Offense): 42 receptions, 520 yards, 5 TDs
Why He Fits Dallas:
Travis Hunter might be the most fascinating player in the entire draft. A legitimate two-way threat, Hunter’s ability to dominate on both sides of the ball for Deion Sanders’ Colorado squad was electrifying. While some teams may covet him as a wide receiver, most scouts agree his highest upside is at cornerback.
Hunter’s elite ball skills, speed, and instincts give him the edge against top competition. His recovery speed is top-tier, and he mirrors receivers with exceptional fluidity. He’s also not afraid to be physical, a trait that plays well in the Cowboys’ aggressive defensive style.
Cowboys’ Outlook:
If Hunter slips into the middle or back half of the first round, Dallas would be wise to make a move. His playmaking ability and charisma would add excitement to the locker room and bring another dimension to the defense — and possibly even the offense in special packages.
3. Benjamin Morrison – Notre Dame
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 190 lbs
Projected Round: Late First to Early Second
2024 Stats: 41 tackles, 5 INTs, 11 PBUs
Why He Fits Dallas:
Morrison has quietly put together one of the most productive careers among cornerbacks in college football. A consistent performer in Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame defense, Morrison combines sound fundamentals with exceptional awareness and anticipation.
He’s a cerebral player who reads quarterbacks well, baits them into bad decisions, and knows how to turn defense into offense. Morrison may not have Johnson’s size or Hunter’s flash, but he’s technically sound and rarely out of position — an invaluable asset for a team burned repeatedly by blown coverages in 2024.
Cowboys’ Outlook:
If the Cowboys hold onto a late first-round or early second-round pick, Morrison could be the best value on the board. He has the polish to start early and could rotate with Bland and Diggs to create matchup advantages.
4. Jason Marshall Jr. – Florida
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 195 lbs
Projected Round: Second Round
2024 Stats: 45 tackles, 2 INTs, 9 PBUs
Why He Fits Dallas:
Jason Marshall Jr. is one of the more under-the-radar prospects, but he has all the tools NFL teams look for. A lengthy, physical corner who excels in press-man coverage, Marshall is a scheme-versatile defender with high upside.
While his college production doesn’t jump off the stat sheet, his tape reveals sticky coverage, strong hands, and the willingness to come up and hit. Marshall is aggressive at the line of scrimmage, often throwing off the timing between QBs and receivers — a hallmark of successful NFL cornerbacks.
Cowboys’ Outlook:
Dallas could target Marshall if they focus on offensive line or linebacker in the first round. He’s a potential Day 2 gem and fits the mold of players Dallas typically drafts: high-upside athletes with good coaching pedigrees from SEC programs.
5. Kool-Aid McKinstry – Alabama
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 195 lbs
Projected Round: Late First to Early Second
2024 Stats: 38 tackles, 1 INT, 13 PBUs
Why He Fits Dallas:
Kool-Aid McKinstry might have had a slightly down year by Alabama standards, but his intangibles, technique, and versatility are still highly valued across the league. Known for his ability to play both outside and slot corner, McKinstry would give Dallas a plug-and-play DB with elite experience against top-tier SEC competition.
McKinstry has good footwork and anticipation, and he rarely gets caught out of position. His mental processing in zone schemes is particularly strong — an area Dallas has struggled with over the years. He’s also a threat on special teams, adding value as a potential punt returner.
Cowboys’ Outlook:
McKinstry would be an excellent option if the Cowboys want a battle-tested corner ready to start Day 1. His pedigree under Nick Saban and ability to play multiple positions make him a safe pick with a high floor.
Honorable Mentions:
Cam Hart – Notre Dame
Long, physical corner who excels in man coverage. Needs to improve ball skills but has intriguing upside.
Javon Bullard – Georgia
More of a hybrid corner/safety, but his toughness and leadership make him a viable nickel option.
Tony Grimes – Texas A&M
Once a five-star recruit, Grimes has battled inconsistency but flashes elite traits when healthy.
What the Cowboys Need in 2025
After the Diggs injury in 2024, the Cowboys’ defensive backfield was exposed against elite passing attacks. Bland emerged as a stud, but beyond that, it was clear the unit lacked the depth to hold up across a 17-game season and into the playoffs.
Here’s what Dallas will be looking for in a 2025 cornerback:
- Versatility: The ability to play outside and in the slot.
- Ball Skills: Creating turnovers is key in Dan Quinn’s system.
- Tackling: Cornerbacks who don’t shy away from contact, especially in run support.
- Football IQ: Smart players who don’t bite on double moves and can anticipate route combinations.
While it’s tempting to look solely at speed or Combine metrics, the Cowboys need a corner who fits both scheme and culture. Leadership, durability, and a competitive edge will matter as much as 40-yard dash times.
Final Thoughts
Cornerback may not be the most glamorous position to draft in the first round, but for the Cowboys, it might be the most necessary. With elite offenses in the NFC like the 49ers, Eagles, and Lions continuing to improve, Dallas must counter with a secondary that can disrupt timing, force turnovers, and give their pass rush time to get home.
Whether they take a swing on a top-10 talent like Will Johnson, make a splash for Travis Hunter, or find value in Jason Marshall or Benjamin Morrison on Day 2, the 2025 draft presents a real opportunity to reshape the Cowboys’ secondary.
In recent years, Dallas has shown a knack for finding contributors at key positions. Bland, Diggs, and Donovan Wilson were all viewed as underrated picks at the time. Now, it’s time to go get another impact player in the secondary — because in today’s NFL, elite cornerbacks aren’t a luxury. They’re a necessity