Here are some defensive tackles who the Cowboys could target on Day 3 of the draft.
The Dallas Cowboys interior defensive line is still a work in progress despite re-signing Osa Odighizuwa and adding Solomon Thomas via free agency. There’s hope Mazi Smith will finally live up to his first-round draft status in Year 3 with the Cowboys, but even if he does the position needs more talent.
Fortunately, one of the positions of strength in the 2025 NFL Draft is defensive tackle. Due to the depth of the position, the Cowboys can afford to bypass it if they choose with their draft picks in the Top 100 and wait until Day 3 to find a big-bodied, space-eating nose tackle to clog up the middle of their DL and upgrade their run defense.
According to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s recently released 2025 draft guide, The Beast, Day 3 might be a sweet spot for the Cowboys to add some DT help. Dallas currently has seven draft picks in rounds five through seven and fortunately for them there are several DTs in that range they could target. Below are five we’ll be keeping an eye on.
Cam Horsley, Boston College (6’2”, 312)
Fifth-round grade
Per Dane Brugler:
Overall, Horsley plays with size and power to reset the line of scrimmage when he stays leveraged, making it difficult for blockers to do their job. He has the talent to be a rotational nose for a long time in the NFL.
Yahya Black, Iowa (6’5”, 336)
Fifth-round grade
Per Dane Brugler:
Overall, Black looks every bit the part of a “do your job” defender who clogs running lanes and does the dirty work, although he will need to improve his disruptive skills to be a three-down player. He offers scheme versatility to become a role player in any system.
Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia (6’3”, 327)
Fifth/Sixth-round grade
Per Dane Brugler:
Overall, Stackhouse is a naturally powerful human who can two-gap, eat up double teams and make run stops at the line. He will add early-down nose tackle depth to an NFL defense.
Elijah Simmons, Tennessee (6’1”, 334)
Sixth/Seventh-round grade
Per Dane Brugler:
Overall, Simmons has the natural body girth to grow roots and play stout against run blocks and double teams, but he will need to prove to NFL coaching that he can handle more of a workload to lockdown a roster spot. He projects as an early-down nose.
Zeek Biggers, Georgia Tech (6’5”, 321)
Seventh-round grade
Per Dane Brugler:
Overall, Biggers is appropriately named – his size and ability look good on paper. The traits, however, need to translate better on the field for him to consistently impact the game. He has the tools to fit in even or odd fronts.
