The Dallas Cowboys haven’t been their usual selves in recent drafts. It had become a tradition for the team to nail their first-round picks over the last 15 years, but the last two haven’t turned into immediate successes, stemming the flow.
New head coach Brian Schottenheimer needs to hit a home run with his first-ever pick, just as the previous two hires did in their first drafts at the head of the table.
Jason Garrett’s first draft fully in charge was in 2011, and the Cowboys drafted Tyron Smith, an All-Pro tackle who stayed with the team for a decade. In 2020, Mike McCarthy took over, and his first pick was WR CeeDee Lamb. Another All-Pro like Smith, Lamb just signed a second contract with the team before the season.
That is two offensive-minded coaches and two excellent draft picks on offense.
The Cowboys have plenty of holes in the roster, meaning they could go in several directions with their top pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Here are a few options on offense.
Ashton Jeanty
Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) reacts after the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Ashton Jeanty, a running back from Boise State, is one of the true first-round grades in this draft. If he fell to Dallas at No. 12, they would have to consider him, even if the room was filled with people who believe running backs shouldn’t be drafted that high.
Dec 6, 2024; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the first half against the UNLV Rebels at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-Imagn Images
A playmaker with the capability of Jeanty raises the floor of everyone around him. His game in the CFB playoffs against Penn State is an example of what he can do when the competition is overwhelmingly better than his own team.
Jeanty took 30 carries and got over 100 yards even though fellow-top 10 prospect Adul Carter and the Nittany Lions front seven overmatched the Boise State offensive line. He broke an incredible 22 tackles in that contest, nine of them behind the line of scrimmage. Jeanty will make the OL, receivers, tight end, quarterback, and play caller all better just by being a threat on the field.
WR Emeka Egbuka
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) makes a touchdown catch against Indiana Hoosiers during the second quarter of the football game in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.
Emeka Egbuka will be rich for some at No. 12 because his ceiling isn’t a top-of-the-league receiver, but what he does could be what the Dallas offense needs to level up.
The team is building a coaching staff focused on improving the run game, and Egbuka walks in as a great blocker from Day 1. He is also this class’ best route runner from the slot, giving Dak Prescott a Randall Cobb-esque threat once again.
Egbuka can create separation, move the chains on third down, be a red zone threat, and bring some yards after reception to the offense. He won’t take much developmental time as a senior with a great classroom work ethic. His ability to read zone defenses and running routes that beat man coverage will help raise the floor on the offense.
OL Kelvin Banks, Jr.
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
Kelvin Banks Jr. is a pick who could help the offensive line no matter where the holes in the line end up. He was a unanimous All-American, First-Team All-SEC lineman who walked away with the Jacobs, Lombardi and Outland trophies in 2024.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; 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
Tyler Guyton will get another season at left tackle because he was a developmental first-round pick the team knew needed experience and coaching, but RT Terence Steele could be a cut candidate. Banks Jr. played tackle for Texas University and could be the replacement for Steele. If the team likes their tackles, but Zack Martin doesn’t return, he could be the right guard of the future. Having Brock Hoffman as a backup at all three interior positions would provide excellent depth. That would give the team three first-round linemen for the new coaching staff to build around.
