As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves with a top 12 pick in the draft for the first time since the 2021 NFL Draft when they selected LB Micah Parsons in the first round.
With an established core and a roster filled with talent, the Cowboys’ front office faces a pivotal decision on how to use the #12 overall pick to enhance their chances of securing a Super Bowl appearance, and hopefully, victory.
The Cowboys have multiple areas of need and could go in several directions, with three intriguing prospects emerging as potential targets at the 12th overall selection.
Each of these players could help address specific weaknesses or bolster an already impressive roster. Let’s take a deeper look at why they are all strong options for Dallas.
WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
One of the most talked-about players in the 2025 draft class is wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, a dynamic playmaker who has the tools to become an immediate contributor at the next level.
The Cowboys’ offense is led by quarterback Dak Prescott and features star playmakers like CeeDee Lamb.
However, the team could use another elite receiving option to complement Lamb, especially in the passing game’s vertical aspect. McMillan is the type of receiver who can provide just that.
At 6’4” and 215 pounds, McMillan has the size and strength to win contested catches while also possessing exceptional speed to stretch the field.
His ability to make big plays down the field will give Prescott a reliable deep threat, creating space for Lamb to operate more freely.
McMillan also excels in route running and has displayed impressive consistency in making difficult catches in college, suggesting he has the potential to step in and contribute immediately as a top-tier receiver in the NFL.
Given the Cowboys’ need for another weapon on offense, McMillan would be a perfect addition to their receiving corps, as detailed by fellow Inside The Star writer Mark Heaney in this informative piece.
CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
Cornerback is another area where the Cowboys could stand to improve.
While they have a strong secondary, including Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, adding another elite cornerback could solidify their defense for years to come.
Diggs is recovering from serious knee surgery, and Jourdan Lewis left for Jacksonville, creating an unexpected void at the position.
Jahdae Barron, a standout corner from the University of Texas, could be the ideal player to fill that void.
Barron’s game revolves around his excellent ball skills and playmaking ability.
Standing at 5’11” and 190 pounds, he may not have the size of some of the bigger cornerbacks in the NFL, but he makes up for it with his quickness, athleticism, and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes.
Barron excels in both man-to-man and zone coverage, displaying the versatility that would allow him to seamlessly fit into DC Matt Eberflus’ defense.
With his ability to track the ball and break on it at just the right moment, Barron would give the Cowboys a strong, long-term option in their secondary, providing them with more depth and potential shutdown ability on defense.
DE Shemar Stewart
The Cowboys’ defense has been one of the team’s biggest strengths in recent years, largely due to the pass-rush duo of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
However, with Lawrence leaving Dallas for the rainy seasons in Seattle, adding another top-tier pass rusher would help ensure the Cowboys maintain strength on the edge.
Shemar Stewart, a 6’5”, 270-pound defensive end from Texas A&M, could be exactly what they need.
Stewart is an absolute physical specimen, with the ability to dominate both in the pass rush and against the run.
His combination of size, strength, and athleticism allows him to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, making him an ideal candidate to pair with Parsons on the edge.
Stewart’s versatility and ability to play both inside and outside will give Eberflus plenty of options in terms of how he deploys his defense.
Adding Stewart would also allow the Cowboys to rotate their defensive linemen more effectively, ensuring they remain fresh and effective throughout the season.
Sam Williams is returning from an ACL injury, and Marshawn Kneeland enters his sophomore season with a knee injury of his own.
Stewart doesn’t have the stats in college, but he has all the traits, and is a perfect player to take a chance on at #12.