Cowboys draft grade: Day 3 grades for final picks

Here are our grades for what the Cowboys did on Saturday

With the 149th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected running back Jaydon Blue from the University of Texas, adding a dynamic playmaker to their backfield.

In the 2024 season, he rushed for 730 yards and had eight touchdowns on 134 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He also contributed as a receiver, catching 42 passes for 368 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his versatility.

Known for his explosive speed and acceleration, Blue ran a 4.38 40-yard dash (95th percentile). His ability to contribute both in the running and passing game makes him a valuable asset for the Cowboys, especially as they look to add depth and versatility to their offensive arsenal. Blue’s home-state roots and dynamic skill set could make him a fan favorite in Dallas. His biggest issue – fumbles and ball security. He has seven fumbles on 200 rush attempts over the last seasons.

Pick Grade: B

With the 152nd overall pick, Dallas selected linebacker Shemar James from the University of Florida, acquiring the pick through a trade with the Arizona Cardinals. They gave away picks picks 174 and 211 in order to bag the run-stopping linebacker, but regardless this is an interesting move.

James is well-regarded for his athletic ability, especially in open-field situations, and his potential role on special teams. With his size (6-foot-1 and 226 pounds), he showcases a blend of speed and physicality, effectively using his hands to shed blocks and displaying agility as a blitzer. Nonetheless, there are ongoing concerns about his instincts, pursuit angles, and consistency in tackling.

Despite these areas for improvement, James’s athletic profile and versatility make him a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ linebacker corps, especially as the team seeks to bolster depth and special teams performance and holds good value here on Day 3.

Pick Grade: B-

With the 204th overall pick, the Cowboys selected offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius from the University of Oregon, aiming to bolster their offensive line depth and develop future starters.

Cornelius, who started his college football journey at Rhode Island before moving to Oregon, demonstrated impressive consistency by starting 50 games at right tackle, including 28 consecutive starts with the Ducks. He has the ideal size and strength for an NFL lineman which immediately ticks boxes. His performance in pass protection is particularly impressive as he allowed just three sacks on 1,067 pass-blocking snaps during his time at Oregon. Although he primarily played tackle in college, the Cowboys will likely shift him to guard to utilize his physicality and aggressive style. His strong work ethic and versatility make him a promising asset for the Cowboys’ future offensive strategies.

Pick Grade: B-

With the next pick at 217, Dallas selected defensive tackle Jay Toia from UCLA, aiming to improve their interior defensive line depth that was in desperate need of this type of player. Toia is known for his stout frame and ability to clog running lanes. During his senior season in 2024, he recorded 25 tackles, including two for loss, and one sack over 12 games. He offers very little in terms of pass-rush and those skills really require further development. But his strength and persistence make him a valuable asset against the run, something Dallas needed addressing after last year’s issues.

Joining a defensive front of Mazi Smith and Osa Odighizuwa, Toia will look to compete for a rotational role, providing the Cowboys with a reliable presence in the trenches. His addition proves Brian Schottenheimer and company are committed to improve their defensive line and address the massive issue on defense at stopping the run. How can that be anything less than a B grade here.

Pick Grade: B

With the 239th overall pick Dallas went back to running back and took Phil Mafah from Clemson. He’s a powerful and experienced runner and will now be added to Dallas’ backfield rotation.

Mafah is known for a physical running style and ability to gain tough yards between the tackles. During his senior season in 2024, he rushed for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns on 216 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt . Over his four-year collegiate career, Mafah amassed 2,887 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, ranking ninth in Clemson history for career rushing yards and tied for tenth in rushing touchdowns. The addition of Mafah is a great thunder to Blue’s lightning with these two running backs drafted today. Mafah’s addition provides the Cowboys with a reliable, downhill runner who can contribute in short-yardage and goal-line situations, a huge issue from last season.

Pick Grade: A

With the Cowboys final pick of this year’s draft they went back to the defensive tackle position and selected Tommy Akingbesote from Maryland. This pick adds a developmental prospect with significant upside to their defensive line.

Akingbesote possesses impressive physical attributes, including 33.5-inch arms (63rd percentile) and 82 5/8-inch wingspan (83rd percentile), which he utilizes effectively to engage and shed blockers. In his senior season, he recorded a career-high 32 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks.

While he may require time to refine his technique and adapt to the professional level, Akingbesote’s size, strength, and work ethic make him a promising addition to the Cowboys.

Pick Grade: C

Overall Day 3 Grade: B+