If Dallas plays it safe in the first round, these five players make sense.
There’s no such thing as a “can’t miss” prospect in the first round when it comes to the NFL draft year after year and the 2025 draft class is no exception. Like every other team are in the league, the Dallas Cowboys have had their fair share of first-round busts, but thankfully have hit on their picks much more than they missed.
Barring a trade, the Cowboys currently hold the 12th overall pick in the first round this year. There are a number of prospects they could be eyeing with that selection, some of which are closer to “can’t misses” than others. Keeping with that line of thinking, here are the safest first-round prospects for Dallas.
RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
While it’s true the depth of the 2025 RB draft class is a deep one, it’s also true Ashton Jeanty is in a class of his own amongst his peers. Because of that, he may already be off the board when the Cowboys are on the clock with the 12th overall pick in the first round, but if still available he’s the closest thing to a “can’t miss” prospect in the entire draft class. There is zero concern how his skill set will translate to the NFL or the immediate impact he’ll make.
OT/G Armand Membou, Missouri
From his skill set to his size and length, Armand Membou is the safest prospect for the Cowboys if they are looking to upgrade their offensive line with the 12th overall pick in the first round. He has the length and agility to remain at right tackle in the NFL, but his strength and athleticism gives him the position flex to kick inside to guard where he would be a plug-and-play starter for the recently retired Zack Martin at right guard in Dallas.
WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
The Cowboys are looking for a Robin to pair with CeeDee Lamb’s Batman and Tetairoa McMillan is the safest WR prospect to fill that role. An argument could be made Emeka Egbuka since he’s considered the most pro-ready, however, McMillan is more of the “X” WR Dallas needs in order to continue using No. 88 predominately out of the slot. McMillan is a WR2 who immediately upgrades Dallas’ aerial attack and red zone offense.
TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
There’s rumors the Cowboys could be looking to sign Jake Ferguson to a contract extension, but they could avoid that and upgrade their TE1 by drafting Tyler Warren. Warren was a do-it-all player at Penn State who could step in as a rookie and be the best TE Dallas has had since Jason Witten. He would immediately help take pressure off of CeeDee Lamb in the passing game and also give Dak Prescott a big target go-to security blanket.
CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
With Will Johnson’s injury concerns, Jahdae Barron is the safest CB prospect for the Cowboys. He lacks the ideal size and length Dallas has looked for in years past, but his football IQ and effectiveness in coverage and run defense is tailor-made for Matt Eberflus’ scheme. He could be a starter on the outside, or step in to replace Jourdan Lewis in the slot from Day 1 with the Cowboys as a rookie.
