The 2025 NFL Draft brought a wave of fresh talent to the league, and while the Dallas Cowboys made a few solid moves, there were several standout players who slipped through their fingers.
Players who could have addressed glaring needs on the current roster were sniped before the Cowboys could even get on the clock in each of those rounds.
Four in particular got sniped by other teams, leaving myself and other Cowboys fans wondering what could have been.
WR Tetairoa McMillan
The Carolina Panthers landed a gem in Tetairoa McMillan, a 6’5” wideout from Arizona with a rare combination of size, body control, and soft hands.
He would have been a perfect complement to WR CeeDee Lamb, giving the Cowboys the true outside threat they currently lack.
McMillan excels in contested catch situations and brings a red zone presence the Cowboys sorely need.
Dallas has struggled to finish drives, settling for field goals far too often. McMillan’s ability to high-point the ball and box out defenders could have turned several of those red zone trips into touchdowns.
His addition would have alleviated pressure on Lamb and drawn attention away from the middle of the field, where Jake Ferguson tends to operate.
In short, McMillan could have elevated the entire passing game.
WR Luther Burden III
Luther Burden III, selected by the Chicago Bears, was another missed opportunity for Dallas.
The Missouri product is a dynamic playmaker who can line up anywhere—slot, outside, or even in the backfield on gadget plays.
His run-after-catch ability and explosive acceleration make him a threat to score on every touch. Dallas currently lacks a true YAC (yards after catch) specialist.
Burden would have added a level of unpredictability and explosiveness to an offense that can be a bit too methodical at times.
Imagine jet sweeps, bubble screens, or quick slants to Burden, with defenses forced to account for both him and Lamb.
He could have been the spark plug this offense needs, especially on third downs and in hurry-up situations.
RB Jordan James
With RB Rico Dowdle gone in free agency and the Cowboys lacking a reliable every-down back, Jordan James could have been the solution.
The Oregon standout, drafted by the San Francisco49ers, is a physical, downhill runner with surprising agility and solid pass-catching ability.
Dallas’ current backfield committee lacks punch and consistency. James could have stepped in immediately as the lead back, giving the Cowboys a more balanced attack.
His ability to gain tough yards between the tackles would have opened up play-action opportunities and helped control the clock; something Dallas failed to do in key moments last season.
Moreover, his experience in a zone-blocking scheme at Oregon would have made for a smoother transition to the Cowboys’ offensive line style under new OC Klayton Adams and OL Coach Conor Riley.
WR Tez Johnson
Speed kills, and WR Tez Johnson, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, brings it in spades.
The former Oregon Duck is electric in the open field and was one of the fastest players in the entire draft.
His ability to take the top off a defense is exactly what the Cowboys lack now that Brandin Cooks is gone.
Johnson could have filled the vertical threat role, forcing defenses to respect the deep ball and opening up underneath routes for Lamb and Ferguson.
His presence would also have made the Cowboys’ screen game far more dangerous, as he thrives in space and can turn short throws into chunk plays.
What If
It’s easy to play the “what if” game during draft season, but the reality is that all four of these players addressed specific and immediate needs for the Dallas Cowboys.
A field-stretching speedster like Tez Johnson, a physical possession receiver like Tetairoa McMillan, a dynamic slot weapon like Luther Burden III, and a tough, three-down running back like Jordan James could have transformed this offense from good to elite.
Instead, Cowboys fans are left hoping their front office finds other ways to fill the gaps.
In a year where every move counts, these missed opportunities might loom large come playoff time.