Who is your favorite first-round prospect?
The 2025 NFL Draft is still a couple months away, but the preparation for the big event is in full swing and has been for the Dallas Cowboys for over a month now. By now we all have a pretty good idea of exactly what their roster “needs” are, but what we don’t know is how free agency will play out or who they could have their eyes on with their first-round pick.
Barring a trade, the Cowboys currently hold the 12th overall pick in the first-round of this year’s draft. Minus the 11 players who will be selected before they are on the clock, the Cowboys will still have numerous options who they could be targeting with pick No. 12, either standing pat or trading down.
Today, we’re narrowing down those possibilities by looking at potential first-round prospects based on how they fit with the Cowboys. Some players simply make more sense than others and that could help narrow down the field as to who could end up in Dallas either with pick No. 12 or in a trade down scenario.
OFFENSE
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- QB – None
After signing Dak Prescott to a contract extension that made him the highest-paid player in the league, the Cowboys are definitely not in the market for a first-round QB. That’s a good thing, at least for this year, because the 2025 QB draft class isn’t a great one.
- RB – Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
No shocker here. Ashton Jeanty is by far the best RB in the 2025 draft class and it’s not even close. He’s a favorite to be drafted with the Cowboys 12th overall pick this year and for good reason. It’s one of their biggest needs and he’s one of the few blue-chip players this year.
- WR – Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Emeka Egbuka is probably the least flashy WR at the top of the draft class, but he’s also one of the most consistent and productive. He’s more of a trade down target for the Cowboys, but his ability to play inside or out would make him a great complement to CeeDee Lamb.
- TE – Tyler Warren, Penn State
The Cowboys have more pressing needs than TE, however, Tyler Warren could be the top-ranked player on the board when they are on the clock. His do-it-all ability could take Dallas’ aerial attack to an entirely different level and also help take pressure off of CeeDee Lamb.
- iOL – Armand Membou, Missouri
Armand Membou could be Tyler Smith 2.0 for the Cowboys, but on the right side of their offensive line. He could play either RG or RT depending on the circumstances of what happens at those positions. That RG/RT position flex could be invaluable for years to come.
- OT – Josh Simmons, Ohio State
Prior to Josh Simmons’ season-ending knee injury he was flirting with OT1 status. If his medicals checkout he could claim that spot once again. He has the skill set to be a starting LT in Dallas, which would allow Tyler Guyton to move to his more natural RT position.
DEFENSE
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- DT – Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Even if they re-sign Osa Odighizuwa, Derrick Harmon could be in play with the 12th overall pick or if the Cowboys even traded down. He’s been one of the most disruptive DTs in the NCAA the past few years and has the versatility to play the 1- or 3-technique in Dallas.
- EDGE – Mike Green, Marshall
Micah Parsons 2.0? Mike Green compares favorably to No. 11 in many ways and could be a consideration at pick No. 12. Although he doesn’t have the elite speed, Green is also a twitched up pass rusher with the bend/flexibility to capture the corner and finish at the QB.
- LB – Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
As either a MIKE or WILL, Jihaad Campbell fits the parameters Mike Eberflus looks for in his linebackers. His size (6’3″, 245), sideline-to-sideline speed, and explosiveness in both the run and pass game make him an ideal fit. He could be a top trade-down candidate.
- CB – Jahdae Barron, Texas
Unless Will Johnson is still on the board at No. 12, Jahdae Barron is arguably the best fit at CB for the Cowboys in the first round. He’s a Swiss Army knife DB who can play just about anywhere in the secondary and someone they could target after trading down.
- S – Malaki Starks, Georgia
It’s unlikely Dallas uses pick No. 12 on a safety or even if they trade down, but if they did Malaki Starks would be a great fit. He’d immediately be an upgrade over Donovan Wilson or Malik Hooker and would add some much-needed playmaking skills on the backend.
