The Dallas Cowboys’ direction will soon be known. After hiring Brian Schottenheimer as the 10th head coach in team history, the picture for 2025 will soon become clear. Jerry Jones seeks continuity, handing over the reigns of the team to Mike McCarthy’s offensive coordinator, with the apparent intention of keeping things relatively similar for his starting quarterback Dak Prescott.
While a defensive coordinator hasn’t been named, and free agency still needs to take place, it allows a bit of framework to mock drafts. Schottenheimer is seen as a coach who will lean into the running game, potentially opening the door for a top-100 pick to go to the backfield. The problem is that without a fourth-round pick, taking a back high means ignoring other needs until the back half of the draft, which isn’t ideal.
To counter that, in this five-round mock draft conducted on Pro Football Focus, trading around in the first two days of the draft nets the Cowboys more selections and allows them to address every need in solid fashion.
Trade: Moving back from No. 12
ARLINGTON, TX – FEBRUARY 06: A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet sit in the endzone before the Steelers take on the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Trade 1.12, 5.175 to Pittsburgh Steelers for 1.21, 2.53, 4.121
With the short list of blue-chip talent taken off the board (Tetairoa McMillion No. 2, Travis Hunter No. 3, Luther Burden III No. 4, Ashton Jeanty No. 6, Abdul Carter No. 7, Mykel Williams No. 11) Dallas decides to trade out of No. 12 and collect more ammunition.
Dallas throws in one of their fifth-round comp picks and brings back 2.53 and 4.121 for moving back nine spots.
1.21: OL Kelvin Banks, Jr., Texas
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Banks is a top prospect on the edge, but here we’re going to use him to solve the departure of Zack Martin and move him inside to right guard. Giving another Pro Bowl caliber interior protector to mirror Tyler Smith is a key element in the return of the Dallas run game prowess, not to mention providing an interior shell of protection for QB Dak Prescott.
Trade: Move up in 2nd Round
Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Detail view of Cleveland Browns helmet against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Washington Redskins wins 31 – 20. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Trade: 2.44, 2.53 to Browns for 2.33, 3.67
Looking to acquire a specific target, the Cowboys use their newly-acquired second rounder to move up without losing the number of prospects they’d be bringing into the fold.
2.33 DT Walter Nolen, Mississippi
Nov 23, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Walter Nolen (2) sacks Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
The Cowboys are likely going to need to replace Osa Odighizuwa in the middle of their defensive line, and Nolen looks to be a perfect successor. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound terror is a middle clogger with the skillset to set up an array of pass-rush moves.
3.67: RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) scores a touchdown on a 75-yard touchdown catch and run against Texas Longhorns in the second quarter of the Cotton Bowl Classic during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on January, 10, 2025.
The Cowboys haven’t had a breakaway running threat for the last several seasons, with that not being Rico Dowdle’s game and Tony Pollard dealing with injuries and expectations in 2023. Henderson would immediately bring that back to the offense as the Ohio State product is a big play waiting to happen whenever he touches the rock. Whether or not Dowdle (FA) returns, the Cowboys need to add juice to the position.
3.76: WR Isaiah Bond, Texas
Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Isaiah Bond (7) makes a catch past Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) during the first half in the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Bond is a track-speed receiver, and while his route running can use some refining, grabbing a player with this type of skillset can open up an offense simply by forcing the safeties to respect his ability to blow by them. He can easily slide into the Brandin Cooks role.
4.121: LB Barrett Carter, Clemson
Nov 23, 2024; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Barrett Carter (0) scores a touchdown against The Citadel Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images
With DeMarvion Overshown set to miss at least most of the 2025 season and Erik Kendricks a free agent, Dallas is going to need to add linebackers who can see the field. Free agency will be the move here, but adding a mid-round linebacker with the traits to contribute as a rookie is imperative. Carter is a multi-tool athlete who can pressure the QB and adeptly drop into coverage, while being a sure tackler.
5th Round Picks
Aug 31, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Luke Lachey (85) catches a pass as Illinois State Redbirds quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse (16) pursues during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
5.150: Edge David Walker, Central Arkansas | Scouting Report
5.170: TE Luke Lachey, Iowa | Scouting Report
5.172: WR Kaden Prather, Maryland | Scouting Report
The Cowboys have an interesting dilemma with the edge position. They do have high-draft pedigree youth in Sam Williams and Marshawn Kneeland to support all-world LB Micah Parsons. That should be enough, even if DeMarcus Lawrence doesn’t return in 2025 without having to spend a high pick on the need.
Meanwhile the Cowboys might now have long-term answer at tight end, but with Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker in tow, they can survive another year without dedicating premium resources.
