There are some players who played in the Cotton Bowl that could. make sense for the Cowboys.
The Ohio State Buckeyes and Texas Longhorns were two of the best collegiate programs in the nation last season in 2024. They put on a show for us in the Cotton Bowl in a back-and-forth game until the Buckeyes ultimately claimed the 28-14 victory thanks to their fourth-quarter heroics.
That Cotton Bowl matchup featured quite a bit of NFL caliber talent, many of which are now part of the 2025 NFL Draft class. Between the Buckeyes and Longhorns there’s a couple of dozen players with draftable grades this year and close to half of those NFL hopefuls could end up being Top 100 selections
This could be of particular interest to the Dallas Cowboys, who currently hold three draft picks in the Top 100 (12, 44, 76). You see, both the Buckeyes and Longhorns prospects expected to be selected the Top 100 matchup favorably with the Cowboys current draft “needs”. It stands to reason, these players could dominate their early-round picks.
After being “selectively aggressive” in free agency, the Cowboys still need help at cornerback, defensive tackle, and linebacker depth on defense. Offensively they need a wide receiver, running back, backup quarterback and maybe offensive line as well. As luck would have it, Ohio State and Texas players could fill those voids.
Cornerback
- Jahdae Barron, Texas
- Denzel Burke, Ohio State
Jahdae Barron could very well be Dallas’ first-round pick. He fits Matt Eberflus’ defense nearly perfectly. Denzel Burke could be in play for them on Day 3.
Defensive tackle
- Tyelik Williams, Ohio State
- Alfred Collins, Texas
- Vernon Broughton, Texas
- Ty Hamilton, Ohio State
All four of these DTs are currently expected to be Day 2 draft picks and any one of them would help fill a major “need” for the Cowboys roster. Tyelik Williams and Alfred Collins though make the most sense.
Defensive end
- JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
- Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
- Barryn Sorrell, Texas
The Ohio State DEs are both expected to be second-round draft picks and could be of interest for the Cowboys with the 44th overall pick. Barryn Sorrell is expected to be an early Day 3 pick.
Wide receiver
- Matthew Golden, Texas
- Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
- Isaiah Bond, Texas
Matthew Golden and Emeka Egbuka are both probably worthy of being selected with the 12th overall pick by Dallas. Isaiah Bond is expected to be a Day 2 selection, putting him in play at 44 or 76 for the Cowboys depending on where they have him ranked.
Running back
- TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
- Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
- Jaydon Blue, Texas
All three of these RBs could hear their names called at some point on Day 2. Jaydon Blue is a bit of the wildcard here though and could end up sliding into Day 3.
Offensive line
- OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
- OT/G Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
- OT/G Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
- OT Cameron Williams, Texas
- C Jake Majors, Texas
- C Seth McLachlan, Ohio State
Both Josh Simmons and Kelvin Banks could be in play with the Cowboys in the first round with Pick 12 or in a trade-down scenario. Donovan Jackson is a fringe first-round pick and could potentially be available at 44. Williams is a Day 2 developmental OT and both Majors and McLachlan are considered Day 3 selections.
Quarterback
- Quinn Ewers, Texas
- Will Howard, Ohio State
The Dallas Cowboys are looking for a developmental QB both Quinn Ewers and Will Howard could potentially be in play for them at some point on Day 2.
