The Dallas Cowboys endured a difficult season throughout 2024 and failed to qualify for the postseason. Owner Jerry Jones then failed to reach terms on a contract extension with head coach Mike McCarthy. In true Jones fashion, the hiring process was strange, concluding by promoting offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
The Cowboys own the No. 12 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, and 10 total picks. With salary cap difficulties abay, it’s critical they enjoy a quality draft. We've conducted a seven-round mock draft that addresses the Cowboys’ biggest needs.
Round 1 (No. 12 overall): Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Cowboys posted a 27th-ranked 100.3 rushing yards per contest last season. Jones and his confidants don't always invest premium resources at running back, but I have a difficult time thinking they'll pass on Ashton Jeanty if he remains on the board here. The Heisman finalist would completely transform Dallas' struggling ground attack, ensuring Schottenheimer's offense is far more balanced in 2025 than it was in 2024.
Round 2 (No. 44 overall): Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss
The aging DeMarcus Lawrence is scheduled for free agency. Do the Cowboys have enough faith in Sam Williams and Marshawn Kneeland opposite Micah Parsons? They should continue adding talent here. Princely Umanmielen is an athletic rusher who converts speed to power at a high level. Umanmielen would immediately provide depth and competition.
Round 3 (No. 76 overall): Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
Dallas' struggling run defense allowed a fourth-worst 137.1 ground yards per contest. Mike Zimmer’s defense was soft and weak up the middle. Alfred Collins is a physical and long interior defensive lineman. Collins is raw but possesses the frame to develop into a quality run defender.
Round 5 (No. 150 overall): Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
Brandin Cooks is scheduled for free agency and the Cowboys need WRs to develop opposite CeeDee Lamb. Tai Felton is a towering prospect capable of playing the “X” boundary position, freeing Lamb to move around the formation. Felton is twitchy and creative in the open field.
Round 5 (No. 170 overall): Clay Webb, IOL, Jacksonville State
Future Hall of Famer Zack Martin is a free agent and may finally have reached the end of his line in Dallas. Last year's draft was a good start with Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe, but the Cowboys need to continue drafting offensive linemen. Clay Webb has functional strength and should be considered a long-term interior option
Round 5 (No. 172 overall): Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse
Trey Lance and Cooper Rush are both unrestricted free agents. Instead of settling for another year of Rush, the Cowboys should take advantage of their 10 draft picks to select a backup QB with some upside. Kyle McCord was the best thrower at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl. McCord displayed the ability to throw with accuracy and anticipation. He'd be intriguing in Dallas behind Dak Prescott.
Round 5 (No. 174 overall): Jabbar Muhammad, CB, Oregon
The Cowboys should re-sign pending free agent Jourdan Lewis, who played the majority of his snaps at nickel. If they need to add depth and competition, Jabbar Muhammad would be a terrific option on Day Three. Muhammad is getting dinged for being undersized, but he's incredibly competitive and physical in coverage.
Round 6 (No. 190 overall): Jamon Dumas-Johnson, LB, Kentucky
Veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks is a free agent. Dallas arguably needs to add veterans and rookies at the off-ball position. Jamon Dumas-Johnson is a flexible front-seven defender.
Round 6 (No. 211 overall): Robert McDaniel, SAF, Jackson State
Jackson State safety Robert McDaniel put together a nice performance at the HBCU Combine. McDaniel had a 38.5-inch vertical and measured in at 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds. He's a draftable athlete on the back end.
Round 7 (No. 249 overall): Amari Kight, OT, UCF
Drafting a developmental tackle late is never a bad idea. Amari Kight began his college football career at Alabama before transferring to UCF. Kight was a standout at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl.
