Who would surprise you to see the Cowboys take in the first round?
It’s important to remember Jerry Jones and Company have a way of saying one thing and then doing the complete opposite. While it looks as if the Dallas Cowboys are zeroing in on running back, wide receiver, cornerback, and maybe even another pass rusher with the 12th overall pick in the first-round, they could very well do something completely unexpected as well.
With that in mind, we tried to think a little outside of the box to try to figure out what positions, and more importantly what players, the Cowboys might draft in the first-round that could completely surprise us. While it seems unlikely such an occurrence should take place, it’s still realistic enough to examine further in all likelihood it actually does come to fruition.
TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
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It’s no secret the Dallas Cowboys have been zeroing in on potential wide receivers who could come in and help take pressure off of CeeDee Lamb. There’s a very real possibility they could have their pick of the best WRs in the 2025 draft class with the 12th overall pick in the first-round. But, what if they’re targeting a different kind of player who would also pair nicely with No. 88 as well as being an even more dynamic and versatile playmaker.
Tyler Warren was a do-it-all offensive weapon during his time at Penn State and actually makes sense for the Cowboys in the first-round. Whether in-line, split out, or as a gadget player he can be utilized in a variety of ways to improve Dallas’ offense. And, with Jake Ferguson entering a contract year with no one behind him who’s shown starting potential, Warren could be an intriguing surprise selection with the 12th overall pick in the first-round.
LT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
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The most immediate concern for the Cowboys in regards to their offensive line is who is going to step in and replace Zack Martin at right guard. While they have several in-house options and also added free agent Robert Jones, there’s still a belief they could draft another guard to fill the void. But, after watching Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele struggle mightily in 2024 and with little to no depth behind them, tackle may be of higher priority.
Josh Simmons is someone who could be a surprise first-round pick for Dallas. If not for his season-ending knee injury in his last season at Ohio State, there’s a very good chance he would’ve been the first offensive lineman off the board in April. After his medical checkups at the scouting combine, signs point to him being 100% ready for training camp. He could be a plug-and-play LT, allowing Guyton and Steele to battle it out for the starting RT job.
DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
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After Taco Charlton and now possibly Mazi Smith, quite a few people around Cowboys Nation have soured on the Dallas Cowboys drafting any defensive lineman out of Michigan. However, they currently have a glaring hole at nose tackle unless Mazi suddenly starts living up to his potential as a former first-round pick. As unlikely as selecting another first-round DT is, drafting a dominant one-technique could help transform Dallas’ defense.
At 6’3″ and over 330 pounds, Kenneth Grant is a massive defensive tackle who is surprisingly athletic for his size. His ability to anchor down against the run is arguably the best in the draft class and his strength, power, and agility helps him collapse the pocket as a pass rusher. Considering Dallas’ current dilemma with their last first-round DT selection and other roster “needs” elsewhere, taking Grant at No. 12 would be quite the shocker.
