The Dallas Cowboys, a franchise synonymous with “America’s Team” and Super Bowl aspirations, consistently look to the annual NFL Draft as a crucial avenue for bolstering their roster and sustaining long-term success. Navigating the draft requires a delicate balance of addressing immediate needs while also securing talented players who can contribute in the future. This article delves into the Dallas Cowboys’ draft strategies, recent selections, and the key questions surrounding their approach to building a championship-caliber team through the annual selection process.
A Look Back: The 2024 Dallas Cowboys Draft
The 2024 NFL Draft was a significant one for the Dallas Cowboys, particularly as they aimed to address key roster needs, especially on the offensive line following the departure of veteran Tyron Smith. Here’s a recap of their selections:
Round 1, Pick 29 (via trade with Detroit Lions): Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma: The Cowboys traded back from pick 24 to 29, acquiring an additional third-round pick in the process, and still landed a promising offensive tackle in Guyton. Viewed as a player with high upside, Guyton played right tackle at Oklahoma but possesses the traits to potentially play on the left side.
Round 2, Pick 56: Marshawn Kneeland, DE, Western Michigan: Addressing a need at defensive end after losing Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler in free agency, the Cowboys selected Kneeland. He’s described as a high-motor, physical player with the potential to develop into a strong contributor on the edge.
Round 3, Pick 73 (via trade with Detroit Lions): Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas State: Using the extra third-round pick acquired in the first-round trade, the Cowboys added another offensive lineman in Beebe. A highly decorated guard from Kansas State, Beebe has the versatility to potentially play center and could compete for a starting role early in his career.
Round 3, Pick 87: Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame: Bolstering their linebacker corps, the Cowboys selected Liufau from Notre Dame. Known for his energy and athleticism, Liufau provides depth and potential to a linebacker group that saw veteran Leighton Vander Esch retire.
Round 5, Pick 174 (Compensatory Pick): Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest: Adding depth to the cornerback position, the Cowboys picked Carson in the fifth round.
Round 6, Pick 216 (Compensatory Pick): Ryan Flournoy, WR, Southeast Missouri State: The Cowboys added a receiver in the sixth round with Flournoy, a physically gifted player who stood out at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Round 7, Pick 233 (via trade with Las Vegas Raiders): Nathan Thomas, OT, Louisiana-Lafayette: Continuing to invest in the offensive line, Dallas selected Thomas in the seventh round.
Round 7, Pick 244: Justin Rogers, DT, Auburn: With their final pick, the Cowboys added defensive tackle depth with Rogers from Auburn.
The 2024 draft was largely seen as an effort to get tougher and stronger up front, with three of their eight selections dedicated to the offensive line. They also addressed needs at defensive end and linebacker early in the draft.
The 2025 Dallas Cowboys Draft: Reloading for Contention
Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys once again had several key areas to address to maintain their status as a Super Bowl contender. Following the 2024 season and subsequent free agency, some prominent needs emerged.
Here’s a look at the Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 draft class:
Round 1, Pick 12: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama: The Cowboys addressed a significant need along the offensive line early in the first round by selecting the talented guard from Alabama. With the retirement of Zack Martin, Booker is expected to step in and contribute immediately at right guard.
Round 2, Pick 44: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College: Continuing to build their pass rush, the Cowboys selected the promising edge rusher from Boston College in the second round. Ezeiruaku brings athleticism and potential to the defensive line rotation.
Round 3, Pick 76: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina: Reinforcing their cornerback depth, the Cowboys picked Revel Jr. in the third round. He’s expected to compete for playing time in the secondary.
Round 5, Pick 149: Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas: Addressing the running back position after some free agency departures, the Cowboys selected the explosive playmaker from the University of Texas. Blue’s speed and versatility could add a new dimension to their backfield.
Round 5, Pick 152 (via trade): Shemar James, LB, Florida: Trading up in the fifth round, the Cowboys secured the athletic linebacker from Florida. James adds depth and potential to their linebacker corps.
Round 6, Pick 204 (via Buffalo Bills): Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon: Continuing to invest in the offensive line, the Cowboys added the talented offensive tackle from Oregon in the sixth round. Cornelius provides further depth and developmental potential.
Round 7, Pick 217 (via New England Patriots): Jay Toia, DT, UCLA: Adding more depth to the defensive tackle position, the Cowboys selected Toia in the seventh round.
Round 7, Pick 239 (via Tennessee Titans): Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson: Double-dipping at running back in the seventh round, the Cowboys selected the physical runner from Clemson. Mafah’s style complements the explosiveness of Jaydon Blue.
Round 7, Pick 247 (via Carolina Panthers): Tommy Akingbesote, DT, Maryland: With their final pick, the Cowboys added another defensive lineman in Akingbesote, further increasing competition and depth up front.
The 2025 draft saw the Cowboys prioritize the offensive line early, addressing the void left by Zack Martin’s retirement. They also focused on adding talent and depth to the defensive line and running back positions. Notably, they did not select a wide receiver in this draft, indicating they may look to address that need through free agency or rely on their current roster and the development of young players.
Key Draft Needs for the Cowboys (Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond)
While the 2025 draft addressed immediate concerns, the Cowboys will need to continue evaluating their roster and identifying future needs. Some positions that could be priorities in upcoming drafts include:
Wide Receiver: With Brandin Cooks entering the final year of his contract in 2024 and the team not drafting a receiver in 2025, finding a long-term, explosive option to pair with CeeDee Lamb will likely be a priority in future drafts.
Cornerback: While they added Shavon Revel Jr. in the 2025 draft, the cornerback position could continue to be an area of focus, especially depending on the development of young players and the contract situations of current starters.
Defensive Line (EDGE and Interior): Maintaining a strong and deep defensive line is crucial for any successful team. The Cowboys will need to continue drafting talented players on both the edge and interior to ensure a consistent pass rush and run defense.
Running Back: With the running back room seeing significant turnover and the 2025 draftees on rookie contracts, the long-term outlook at the position will need continued evaluation.
Linebacker: While they’ve invested in the linebacker position in recent drafts, continued development and identifying future starters will be important.
Offensive Line Depth: Maintaining a strong and versatile offensive line is paramount. The Cowboys will likely continue to draft offensive linemen in various rounds to ensure depth and future starters are in the pipeline.
FAQs
Who did the Cowboys draft in 2025?
The Dallas Cowboys made nine selections in the 2025 NFL Draft:
Round 1 (No. 12): OG Tyler Booker (Alabama)
Round 2 (No. 44): EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College)
Round 3 (No. 76): CB Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina)
Round 5 (No. 149): RB Jaydon Blue (Texas)
Round 5 (No. 152): LB Shemar James (Florida)
Round 6 (No. 204): OT Ajani Cornelius (Oregon)
Round 7 (No. 217): DT Jay Toia (UCLA)
Round 7 (No. 239): RB Phil Mafah (Clemson)
Round 7 (No. 247): DT Tommy Akingbesote (Maryland)
What were the Cowboys’ biggest draft needs in 2025?
Entering the draft, Dallas aimed to address:
Offensive Line: To protect QB Dak Prescott and improve the run game.
Edge Rusher: To bolster the pass rush alongside Micah Parsons.
Cornerback Depth: Due to injuries and uncertainties in the secondary.
Running Back: To add depth and potential future starters.
How did analysts grade the Cowboys’ draft?
The Cowboys received an A- grade for their 2025 draft class. Analysts praised their focus on the trenches and selecting high-character players from top programs.
Did the Cowboys draft a wide receiver in 2025?
No, the Cowboys did not select a wide receiver in the 2025 draft. However, they traded for WR George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers to pair with CeeDee Lamb.
What was the George Pickens trade?
Dallas acquired WR George Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick from Pittsburgh in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Who is Tyler Booker, the Cowboys’ first-round pick?
Tyler Booker is an offensive guard from Alabama known for his leadership and physicality. He was the first pick of the Brian Schottenheimer era in Dallas.
What positions did the Cowboys focus on in the draft?
Dallas emphasized strengthening both lines, selecting players for the offensive line, defensive end, and defensive tackle positions. They also added depth at cornerback, linebacker, and running back.
How does the addition of George Pickens impact the Cowboys’ offense?
Pairing Pickens with CeeDee Lamb gives Dallas a dynamic receiving duo, potentially enhancing their passing attack and providing Dak Prescott with more options.
What are the expectations for the Cowboys’ 2025 rookie class?
The rookies are expected to contribute immediately, especially Tyler Booker on the offensive line and Donovan Ezeiruaku in the pass rush. The running backs, Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, could also see significant playing time.
To conclude
The Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 NFL Draft strategy focused on building strength in the trenches, addressing key areas on both the offensive and defensive lines. By selecting high-character players from reputable programs, the Cowboys aim to solidify their roster foundation.
The acquisition of WR George Pickens addresses the need for a strong receiving partner alongside CeeDee Lamb, potentially elevating the team’s aerial attack. While some fans expressed concerns over Pickens’ past behavior, the Cowboys are betting on his talent and the leadership within the locker room to integrate him successfully.
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