The 2024 NCAA football season is coming to a close, and the NFL regular season is following suit, with only five games remaining until the postseason begins. That means the 2025 NFL Draft season is nearly here. And for teams like the Dallas Cowboys, who had a poor season, summer preparations could have already begun.
The Cowboys must work hard to regain their status as one of the league’s top teams. Not only do they need to be considerably more aggressive in free agency this year than they were last year, but they also need to get the most of their draft picks. That is, of course, the intention each offseason, but things do not always go as planned. Hopefully this year will be different
We’ll put prospective free agent movements on hold for the time being and instead try to anticipate the Cowboys’ first three picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. To accomplish this, we’ll use the Pro Football Focus (PFF) mock draft simulator. Because of their two-game winning streak, Dallas presently has the 13th overall pick in the first round.
Cowboys’ Team Needs
The one thing we know about the Cowboys this year is that their roster isn’t nearly as good as many of us thought it would be, and they have a lot of work to do in the offseason to build a much more competitive bunch. Dallas has a myriad of roster needs, with numerous longtime players such as Zack Martin, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Osa Odighizuwa potentially going via free agency, as well as depth at many spots being exposed.
Dallas’ key roster needs include running back, wide receiver, defensive end, and defensive tackle. Cornerback, linebacker, and potentially offensive line and safety are all in close pursuit. We also cannot rule out quarterback. In other words, the Cowboys could target any position in the 2025 NFL Draft.
1. First 12 picks ahead of Dallas.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars – CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
3. Las Vegas Raiders WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
4.New York Giants – DT Mason Graham, Michigan
5. New England Patriots – Edge. Abdul Carter, Penn State
6. Carolina Panthers – quarterback Jalen Milroe, Alabama
7.New York Jets – CB Will Johnson from Michigan
8. Tennessee Titans – WR Luther Burton III from Missouri
9.Cleveland Browns: QB Cam Ward, Miami
10. Cincinnati Bengals RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
11. New Orleans Saints – Edge Nic Scourton, Texas A & M
12. Chicago Bears – OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
13. Miami Dolphins – OT Will Campbell (LSU)
Cowboys’ Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 13: LB/EDGE Jalon Walker, Georgia
By incorporating Jalon Walker into their defense, the Cowboys may accomplish two goals at once. While scouts are divided on his best position at the next level, they all think he can be a valuable starter as an off-ball linebacker or a pass rusher. With both DeMarcus Lawrence and Eric Kendricks likely going in free agency, Walker could be a Day 1 starter for either while also adding depth at both spots.
Round 2: Pick 45 – OL Grey Zabel of North Dakota State
With Zack Martin likely retiring and Terence Steele a salary-cap casualty, Dallas may have to replace two starters for the second year in a row. Grey Zabel is this year’s Graham Barden because he can play anywhere on the offensive line. He was mostly a tackle in college, both left and right, but many believe he is the best interior player and probably the best center in the draft. He has the potential to start at OT, OG, or C without hesitation.
Round 3, Pick 77: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky.
Jourdan Lewis might go via free agency, DaRon Bland is on the final year of his rookie contract, and injuries have plagued the CB position in recent years. Cornerback may be an underappreciated roster “need” for the Cowboys this offseason. Maxwell Harrison (6’1″, 189) might compete for time in Dallas’ secondary alongside Trevon Diggs in his rookie year, allowing Bland to cover the slot.
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