Brian Schottenheimer gives insight on what Cowboys goal is with 12th overall pick

The draft strategy for the Cowboys is becoming more clear.

April is officially here, and that means the Dallas Cowboys are preparing for the avenue they covet the most when it comes to roster building, the NFL draft. The Cowboys hold the 12th overall pick thanks to a disappointing 7-10 campaign last season. So, they’ll have their pick of premium talent once they are on the clock.

On Tuesday morning, head coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke to the media at the annual NFL Meetings. When asked what the Cowboys are looking for in the first round, Schottenheimer mentioned the best player available approach.

The positions that Schottenheimer mentioned are key here. Wide receiver has been one of the top positions that have been linked to the Cowboys as far as first-round picks go. Tetairoa McMillan out of Arizona is probably the people’s choice if Dallas goes the receiver route to kick things off. Matthew Golden out of Texas and Luther Burden out of Missouri are possible options as well at the position.

Cornerback is a position that the Cowboys will certainly have some top-tier talent to choose from. Team owner Jerry Jones is infatuated with Colorado’s Travis Hunter, and for good reason. However, that would require moving up in the draft, and the price is likely too much for Dallas. Will Johnson out of Michigan has been mentioned as a potential pick for Dallas, and playing in a more zone oriented scheme, which is what Matt Eberflus will run, would likely better suit him. Jahdae Barron out of Texas is another prospect to remember with his zone scheme ability.

The Cowboys need help on the edge with the departure of DeMarcus Lawrence and uncertainty in the pieces that remain behind Michah Parsons. Georgia’s Mykel Williams is a name that has been mentioned for the Cowboys on the edge in round one, rightfully so with his high run-stopping prowess and potential pass rush ability once he’s developed more. Mike Green out of Marshall, who led the nation in sacks in 2024, has been projected between picks 10-15 by some, which is right in the Cowboys range. Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. and Shemar Stewart are players to watch as well.

Offensive tackle was also mentioned by Schottenheimer. That position won’t be a popular choice, but it’s definitely has some first-round options that Dallas could explore, like Missouri’s Armand Membou, Ohio State’s Josh Simmons, and Kelvin Banks, Jr. out of Texas.

When draft time rolls around, remember the positions that Schottenheimer outlined here.