This 2025 Dallas Cowboys mock draft will be based on the roster holes filled, or, in some fans’ opinions, not filled, by free agent signings.
The official start of NFL free agency was Wednesday, March 12th, at 3 p.m. central time, and the Cowboys were busy.
Not only were a few outside free agents signed, but a couple of trades for players were also made.
Based on the outside free agents signed and the trades this offseason, the theme seems to be first-round pick reclamation projects.
To set the basis for this mock draft, the positions filled so far this offseason have been running back, guard, linebacker, cornerback, defensive tackle, and defensive end.
Does this change the Cowboys’ draft needs? Not really, because many of these players could be seen as depth pieces with starter upside.
With the basis set, let’s get started.
Round 1 Pick 12: James Pearce Jr. Edge Rusher (Tennessee)
James Pearce Jr seems to be dropping down some draft boards due to off-the-field issues. He cleared up these issues at the combine, but the rumors may push him to the Cowboys.
This would be perfect for the Cowboys who lost DeMarcus Lawrence to the Seattle Seahawks in free agency.
James Pearce Jr can come and quickly fill the loss of Lawrence in the pass rush area, but he will have to get better at defending the run to be a three-down defensive end.
During his three-year career with the Volunteers, he tallied 71 tackles, 30 of which were for loss, 19.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception.
At the 2025 NFL combine, he showed why he was once considered a top-ten draft pick.
At the combine he posted:
- 40-yard dash – 4.47
- 10-yard split – 1.56
- Vertical jump – 31”
- Broad jump – 10’3”
These numbers show an explosive player who could come into Dallas and form a dangerous pass-rushing duo with Micah Parsons.
This is the perfect player to add to Matt Eberflus’s defense, which is predicated on the front four rushing the quarterback.
James Pearce Jr. is still my EDGE1.
He’s dominated SEC play and improved MASSIVELY as a run defender since 2023. pic.twitter.com/L6jFGjPJdV
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) November 7, 2024
Round 2 Pick 44: Jack Bech Wide Receiver (TCU)
Jack Bech is a big receiver at 6’2” and 215lbs and uses his size to come down with almost every ball thrown within his catch radius.
When Bech was thrown the ball at LSU and TCU, his quarterbacks’ rating was 111.9, meaning he was the quarterback’s best friend in college.
This is not the only impressive stat for Jack Bech. Between LSU and TCU, he had 133 receptions and only four drops. According to Pff.com, his drop percentage was only 2.9% and he caught 61.8% of his contested catches.
If you watch his tape at TCU, you will see a big receiver who knows how to find the open spots in a defense and uses his body to block out a defender like a center in basketball.
Love TCU's Jack Bech route running and concentration pic.twitter.com/1YMxuD6gdv
— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) March 11, 2025
This man is a smooth operator in the passing game.
Not only is he good on the field, but he may be better off the field. He dedicated his Senior Bowl MVP to his late brother, who passed away a month before.
The most inspirational person for me this week at the combine, TCU wide receiver, Jack Bech. As somebody who has lost a brother, my heart is with him. Jack is an exceptional player, and even better human being.♥️ pic.twitter.com/7sifgSDB8w
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) March 2, 2025
Round 3 Pick 76: TreVeyon Henderson Running Back (Ohio State)
If TreVeyon Henderson is still sitting at pick 76, Jerry Jones should be running the card in to draft this young man.
At Ohio State, TreVeyon Henderson was an everything back. He could catch, run, block, and did all this at a near elite level.
His pass blocking really shows up and he will be Dak Prescott’s best friend.
https://twitter.com/DynastyPrice/status/1881450147173081540
The one thing that could push him to the third round is durability issues. While at Ohio State, he missed chunks of time in the 2022 and 2023 seasons due to injuries.
He is a difference maker with his elite athleticism when he’s on the field.
His athleticism was on full display at the NFL Combine where he posted an athleticism score of 92, which was first among running backs. We all know the Cowboys front office likes athleticism.
NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein had this to say about TreVeyon Henderson:
Henderson is capable of starring on third downs or biting off a bigger chunk as a three-down option. He has average size but above-average juice with good acceleration. He’s an average decision-maker inside and is not overly creative once confronted by the defense, but he has the pacing and subtle shiftiness to excel as an outside runner. He might be the best pass-protecting running back in this draft and is more than capable as a pass-catcher. Henderson isn’t Jahmyr Gibbs, but he can operate in a similar role for teams looking to add a more dynamic player to their running back room.
TreVeyon Henderson would be an instant upgrade to the Dallas Cowboys’ offense, and having a good running back would relieve some of the pressure on other areas of the offense.
Round 5 Pick 150: Benjamin Yurosek Tight End (Georgia)
Benjamin Yurosek could be a draft gem after being on track to be highly productive at Stanford before a shoulder injury derailed his rise in 2023.
He is 6’4” and 245lbs and ran a 4.65 40-yard dash.
His exceptional hands, skill in making contested catches, and versatility in playing various positions will be crucial assets.
Benjamin Yurosek’s athleticism and football intelligence are significant strengths, making him a dependable target in the passing game and a competent blocker when needed.
At the #Georgia Pro Day today, tight end Ben Yurosek tested extremely well.
Here's how Yurosek's numbers would've ranked compared to the #NFLCombine invite tight ends:
✅40-Time of 4.64 – 2nd
✅Short Shuttle of 4.39 – 3rd
✅3-Cone of 7.16 – 5thAwesome talent who had a strong… pic.twitter.com/gAo4uZweci
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) March 12, 2025
Looking ahead, Yurosek is poised to become a valuable contributor as a TE2, with a clear pathway to securing a starting role.
Adding some strength and honing his skills, he will undoubtedly emerge as a reliable playmaker at the next level.
His experience in the fiercely competitive SEC will serve him well in his transition to the pros, allowing him to leverage his versatility to make a substantial impact on the field.
As an understudy to Jake Ferguson in his first year with the Cowboys, he could emerge after a year in the strength program as a true number one tight end.
Round 5 Pick 170: Upton Stout Nickel Corner/Safety (Western Kentucky)
Upton Stout is small in stature, 5’8” 185lbs, but has the tenacity to play nickel corner and safety in the NFL.
Stout put on a clinic at the Senior Bowl where he was regarded as one of the better corners on the field.
There has not been a better cornerback in Mobile this week than WKU's Upton Stout. This dude is gonna play in the nickel for 7-10 years. pic.twitter.com/wJpfe0M8jV
— Cory (@fakecorykinnan) January 31, 2025
He also showed the strength needed to contribute in the NFL after putting up 21 reps in the bench press at the NFL Combine.
At Western Kentucky he showed his physicality and tackling prowess with an impressive 90.9 run defense grade.
https://twitter.com/NFL_DF/status/1882518424318009432
If he can put on weight in the NFL, he could be a poor man’s Ed Reed.
Round 5 Pick 172: Kyle Monangai Running Back (Rutgers)
At 5’8″ and 210 pounds, Kyle Monangai stands out as a powerful and compact running back. He brings leadership and determination to the field as a two-time team captain.
Although he may not have breakaway speed, his quickness allows him to change direction in the blink of an eye, making him a challenge for defenders with his sharp, unpredictable cuts.
His vision is average and he occasionally lacks run-lane discipline, but Monangai consistently finds ways to generate yardage and showcases exceptional balance to shake off would-be tacklers.
https://twitter.com/RutgersOnBTN/status/1734281049952100592
Though he isn’t the ideal choice for third-down situations, the Cowboys can confidently rely on Monangai as an early-down backup, capable of handling a heavier workload when needed.
Round 5 Pick 174: Logan Brown Offensive Tackle (Kansas)
Standing at 6’6” and weighing 311lbs, Logan Brown had a good showing at the NFL Combine.
He ran a 5.16 40-yard dash and a 1.75 10-yard split, showing the quickness of his size. He left the combine with an athleticism score of 86, ranked sixth among offensive linemen.
Brown is a developmental tackle who demonstrates significant power in the run game and some improvement in pass protection.
https://twitter.com/NFL_DF/status/1890766390333718908
His athletic testing results are impressive, and the game footage shows that his strength is more about generating movement at the point of attack rather than defending the edge.
The technical improvement seen in his final season at Kansas showcases a player who continues to develop, despite his extensive college experience.
His run-blocking ability significantly exceeds his pass protection skills; when he charges forward with aggressive intent, Brown can be truly dominant.
Those same aggressive traits can become a liability during pass sets, as he often shows impatience when facing counter moves and inside rushes, which raises concerns.
This could be a good player to develop behind Terence Steele. As Logan Brown refines some areas, he could be the right tackle of the future or move inside to guard.
Round 6 Pick 205: Brady Cook Quarterback (Missouri)
Brady Cook is a mobile quarterback with a big arm and great speed at the quarterback position.
At the combine, he had a 40 time of 4.59, 37 inch vertical, 10’8” broad jump, and an athleticism score of 91. His athleticism score ranked only behind Jalen Milroe.
This young man could learn the game behind Dak Prescott and become a high-end backup in the NFL, with the potential to become a starter.
He will have to fix his timing and consistency to become a starter in the league, but if his decision-making improves, he could be a weapon.
He feels pressure well, and once outside of the pocket, he can make plays with his feet, which makes him an instinctive runner.
https://twitter.com/QBspotlight/status/1792897499297988695
The Cowboys are looking to develop a quarterback; at 23 years old, he could be the perfect project.
Round 6 Pick 211: KeAndre Lambert-Smith Wide Receiver (Auburn)
KeAndre Lambert-Smith is a 6’1” and 190lb speedster with 4.37 speed.
Lambert-Smith is a developmental deep threat who will have to become a better route runner if he wants to have a bigger role in an offense.
https://twitter.com/mikegittens/status/1840126746777292920
On day three of the draft, he profiles as an exciting option for the Cowboys, boasting the physical tools necessary to surpass his projected position.
Despite being raw in certain areas, Lambert-Smith’s impressive deep speed, rapidly improving receiving skills, and commitment to blocking make him a compelling developmental candidate.
He is poised to contribute immediately in specialized roles with the Cowboys while also developing into a more significant asset in the future.
Round 7 Pick 241: Fadil Diggs Defensive End (Syracuse)
Fadil Diggs is a 6’4” 257-lb rusher with 4.57 speed and will be a project defensive end in the NFL.
What happened to us as a society where we aren’t talking about this performance from last night?
4.57 40-yard dash
1.60 10-yard split
10-1 Broad JumpSmooth, fluid through drills. Excellent athlete. Speed rusher off the edge. How did no one come away talking about Fadil Diggs? pic.twitter.com/lQa7kcQPfV
— John “Draft” Vogel (@DraftVogel) February 28, 2025
The tape demonstrates that Diggs is a formidable pass rush specialist with distinct strengths and limitations.
His explosive first step and innate pass-rush instincts set him apart, making him a genuine threat to quarterbacks.
In obvious passing situations, as evidenced in his performances against Miami and UNLV, he consistently creates problems for offensive tackles.
However, his tackling prowess is a significant concern. He frequently fails to finish plays when he’s in position, which undermines his overall impact.
He shows flashes of promise in run defense, but his inconsistency is troubling. When teams run directly at him, he can be easily overwhelmed.
The Cowboys’ defensive line coach will have his work cut out for him with Diggs, but this player has a high upside.
Round 7 Pick 249: Joe Evans Defensive Tackle (UTSA)
Big Joe Evans is an imposing defensive tackle, standing 6’3″ and weighing 340 pounds. He effectively uses his size to stop the run.
While the Cowboys may not benefit much from his pass-rushing abilities, having a strong run stuffer is essential.
Although he is not primarily known as a pass rusher, he possesses a quick first step for someone of his size and demonstrates good hand usage during rush attempts.
His length helps him keep offensive linemen at bay, allowing him to power through blockers effectively.
Evans is truly a project; however, players with his size and quickness are rare. The new defensive coaches will need to invest time in developing Evans, but he can potentially be a hidden gem.
Defensive tackles Joe Evans and Brandon Brown at UTSA’s Wednesday practice in their freshly minted 1 and 2 jerseys. The single digits are not a bad look for the big guys. pic.twitter.com/RXzNEkaEi8
— Greg Luca (@GregLuca) August 14, 2024
The Dallas Cowboys can add talent in the draft to upgrade several positions.
Now that they have signed the depth pieces needed in free agency, the best player available may receive a few draft picks.
Here’s to hoping the Cowboys come away with a draft that will increase the team’s overall talent level.
This mock draft did have some long shots at the end, but the Cowboys are generally good at finding talent in obscure places.
Will McClay and his scouts will be doing their homework and always ace the test. So, an eventful draft could be in store for Cowboys fans.