Here are some names to keep in mind for the first round of the NFL Draft.
The Dallas Cowboys “selectively aggressive” approach made them much more active this year in free agency than they were just a season ago. Despite all of their recent free agent additions and the two trades they made, there is still some glaring “needs” that need to be addressed via the 2025 NFL Draft.
Today, we look a little deeper at Dallas’ current roster “needs” to examine what their options may be with the 12th overall pick in the first round. While it’s true they could also be looking to trade down in the first-round this year, finding a willing trade partner may or may not happen.
Running back
Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton
The Cowboys may have signed Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders to add some much-needed depth in their RB room, however, neither has shown they can be a dependable full-time starter in the league at this point in their careers. If Dallas is looking for a true RB1, they could use their first-round draft pick to acquire him either at No. 12 or in a trade down scenario.
We’ll presume Jeanty is already gone when the Cowboys are on the clock in the first round. If not, his difference making ability would probably be too hard to pass up. If he’s gone though, Omarion Hampton is worthy as well. Some teams have him as the RB1 this year and Dallas could be one of them. Drafting him and 12 might be a reach, but only a slight one.
Prediction: Omarion Hampton
Wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan, Luther Burden, Emeka Egbuka, Matthew Golden
Despite bringing in free agent WR Paris Campbell after seeing the price tag for Cooper Kupp was more than they were willing to spend on the 32-year-old, finding a wide receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb is at the top of the priority list. In a somewhat weak WR draft class this year; there’s a strong possibility Dallas uses their first-round pick here.
Although there’s a chance McMillan could slide to the Cowboys, it seems unlikely after running a 4.48 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. That leaves Burden, Egbuka, and Golden as the best options for them. There’s a concern Burden and Golden might be just flash players with one good season of production, but Egbuka is considered a pro-ready plug-and-play WR.
Prediction: Luther Burden
Cornerback
Travis Hunter, Will Johnson, Jahdae Barron
Trevon Diggs’ timetable to return from a season-ending knee injury, DaRon Bland entering a contract year, and Jourdan Lewis exiting via free agency puts cornerback as a top Cowboys roster “need” right now. They did trade for a former first-round pick, Kaiir Elam, however, he will need to have a career resurgence in order to be depended upon.
It’s a safe bet Travis Hunter will be long gone by the time the Cowboys are on the clock, leaving Will Johnson or Jahdae Barron as the top CBs still on the board. Both fit what Matt Eberflus looks for at the position, however, Barron’s versatility to play any position in the secondary as well as his ability in run defense could make him the preferred choice.
Prediction: Jahdae Barron
Defensive end
Abdul Carter, James Pearce, Mike Green, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart
You can never have too many pass rusher’s, but the Cowboys are actually pretty solid at DE right now. However, with just Micah Parsons and Marshawn Kneeland likely to be under contract beyond 2025, this position could definitely be in play. Because of that, this could be the way they go with their first-round pick.
Other than Abdul Carter, they could have their pick of pass rusher’s at No. 12. Based on what Matt Eberflus has preferred in the past at the position, Mykel Williams and Shemar Stewart could be their top targets, but we can’t rule out the others either. The question is how much impact would they make as rookies due to the depth at the position right now?
Prediction: Mykel Williams
Defensive tackle
Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Derrick Harmon, Darius Alexander, Walter Nolen
Re-signing Osa Odighizuwa was a much needed move by the team, and bringing in free agent DT Solomon Thomas provide some solid depth at the 3-technique. Sadly, Mazi Smith and the 1-technique is where Dallas needs to upgrade the most, especially in regards to improving the run defense.
It’s probably unlikely Dallas will use their first-round pick on another interior defensive lineman unless Mason Graham somehow slides into their lap at No. 12. Things could change though if they trade down and DT is the top-ranked player on their big board. Even then though, the likely wait until later to address the position.
Prediction: Darius Alexander
