The new coaching staff for the Dallas Cowboys will look to draft players in the 2025 draft to fit their schemes.
The staff will have new coordinators on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball and several new position coaches to assist with the transition.
The new offensive scheme will incorporate more runs, pre-snap motion, counters, and new blocking schemes, which will help elevate the run and pass.
The defensive scheme will be a bend-but-don’t-break philosophy that requires an athletic 3-tech and good linebackers. The new coordinator’s hallmarks are takeaways and execution.
Let’s look at a mock draft that should suit the above needs. This draft will not feature any trades because the trades could get a little wild.
Round 1 Pick 12 Ashton Jeanty RB (Boise State)
If the stars align and the football gods are looking out for Dallas, this would be the ideal fit for the new-look offense.
Ashton Jeanty is the do-it-all back who can get tough yards and has home-run potential every time he touches the ball.
Does he make it out of the top 10? Predicting how the draft unfolds is nearly impossible, but anything is possible. CeeDee Lamb fell to the twenties, so Jeanty falling to twelve is not out of the question.
What would Ashton Jeanty bring to the offense? Here is a little bit about his potential.
Jeanty’s film study identifies a standout talent whose skills redefine traditional running back attributes.
With elite vision, remarkable contact balance, and explosive play-making ability, he stands out as the most complete running back prospect in recent years.
Jeanty’s exceptional anticipation and speed in zone schemes will leave linebackers struggling to keep pace. His decisive cuts and powerful running in gap schemes guarantee he will break through even the most disciplined NFL defenses.
Ashton Jeanty’s receiving skills position him as a powerful offensive weapon.
His exceptional hands and route running allow him to confidently line up as a receiver. Coupled with his strong pass protection, Jeanty is the modern three-down back, consistently keeping defenses off balance.
The Cowboys need this workhorse back to make the offense run on all cylinders. If this player falls to Dallas, it should put the rest of the league on notice.
Round 2 Pick 44 Tre Harris WR (Ole Miss)
At 6’3”, 210lbs, Tre Harris would be the perfect compliment for CeeDee Lamb.
This pick would allow CeeDee Lamb to continue moving around the offense from the outside to the slot and make defenses account for another big-time receiver.
The film shows a boundary receiver with outstanding potential who can instantly enhance an NFL offense, especially on third downs and in the red zone.
Harris’s skill at making contested catches and excelling at various levels of the field makes him a key asset in play-action and vertical passing offenses.
Tre Harris’s size, strong hands, and competitive toughness make him a definite chain-mover and red-zone threat. His consistent improvement and strong work ethic guarantee his success for the Dallas Cowboys.
Having CeeDee Lamb to learn from would be ideal for this young player, as it would give him the opportunity to see less pressure from defenses.
Round 3 Pick 76 Omarr Norman-Lott DT (Tennessee)
The Dallas Cowboys front office may be out of the running for Osa Odighizuwa as other teams will be able to offer a much higher salary. So, the Cowboys will need a replacement at the 3-technique to make the defense work.
Matt Eberflus’s defense is predicated on an athletic 3-tech to apply pressure.
Omarr Norman-Lott from Tennessee can be the disruptive force in the middle of the defense that makes the opposing quarterback uncomfortable.
The 6’3″, 315-pound interior defender recorded 36 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks in two seasons with the Volunteers after transferring from Arizona State, where he made 45 tackles in three seasons.
The tape shows a versatile interior defender, possessing the size to two-gap and quickness for penetrating offensive lines.
His strong anchor, ability to stack and shed blockers, and explosive first step make him effective in various fronts and passing situations. His lateral agility and relentless motor highlight his NFL-caliber traits for an immediate rotational role.
Norman-Lott can play as a 0, 1, or 3-technique depending on down and distance, making him significantly valuable to NFL defensive coordinators.
Overall, his explosive first step, natural leverage, and positional flexibility position him as a promising interior defender ready to thrive for the Dallas Cowboys.
Round 5 Pick 150 Danny Stutsman LB (OU)
Being in Oklahoma, I had the opportunity to watch Danny Stutsman play numerous times, and he is a stud.
The new defense will also need big linebackers who are smart, fast, and strong. Stutsman has enough of these three traits to be a difference-maker for Dallas.
Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 241 pounds, Stutsman is the ideal size for a linebacker. His college career was characterized by consistent production and improvement.
Stutsman is projected to be a potential three-down linebacker at the next level, showcasing his versatility to adapt to various defensive schemes.
His unique combination of size, athleticism, and productivity will attract NFL teams seeking an impact player for the middle of their defense.
He will thrive in a 4-3 system as either a MIKE or SAM linebacker, utilizing his strong run-stuffing capability and blitzing potential.
The MIKE and SAM linebacker positions are key components of the Dallas Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator’s strategy.
Pairing Stutsman with a healthy DeMarvion Overshown would be terrifying to opposing offenses.
Round 5 Pick 170 Jordan Phillips DT (Maryland)
Jordan Phillips, a defensive tackle from the Maryland Terrapins, is poised to be an athletic starting nose tackle in the NFL.
As a redshirt sophomore, he has showcased his skills as a strong point-of-attack defender with impressive lateral range and the ability to anchor, effectively protecting his linebackers.
His potential as a gap control player is clear, supported by his strength, leverage, and agility.
He delivers a powerful punch and showcases excellent flexibility to dominate against solo blocks and double teams.
While he may lack an ideal wingspan and arm length, he can refine his hand techniques to shed blocks. His wrestling background enhances his understanding of leverage, allowing him to control the point of attack and exploit gaps effectively.
This would be a great developmental player for Matt Eberflus and his defensive line coach to work with to maximize his potential.
Round 5 Pick 172 Jake Majors C (Texas)
The potential for Jake Majors is off the charts, but size limitations may move him down draft boards.
Jake Majors is a technician and brings a tough mentality and the skills necessary to secure playing time in an NFL offensive line from day one.
His sharp ability to analyze defenses pre-snap and dominate the interior will be highly valued by teams employing diverse offensive strategies.
While his size may present some limitations, his aggressive nature and outstanding positional awareness will undoubtedly translate effectively to the professional game.
The ability to draft Majors in the 5th round gives incredible value to this pick, as well as the ability to try Cooper Beebe out at guard if needed.
This pick will give new Offensive Coordinator Klayton Adams more pieces to play with as he figures out the best offensive line combinations.
Round 5 Pick 174 Tyler Cooper OG (Minnesota)
Tyler Cooper is a 6’6″, 315-pound interior offensive lineman who was picked in the 5th round. His selection means he will be a project but has the tools to be a starter.
There are technical aspects to his game which will need to be corrected, but new Offensive Coordinator Klayton Adams is an offensive line guru.
For a man of his size, his athleticism will prove to be a major upside and could translate into a serviceable starter or dependable backup.
The Dallas Cowboys have always been great at developing offensive linemen, and this could be the next hidden gem.
Round 6 Pick 190 Fentrell Cypress II (Florida State)
Fentrell Cypress is a scheme-specific contributor in the NFL, with his skill set particularly suited for a primary zone defense.
His fluid movement and instincts in coverage make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to strengthen their secondary depth.
While he has demonstrated flashes of high-level play—especially in zone coverage and as a playmaker—there are still areas where he needs to improve.
In his transition to the NFL, he needs to concentrate on refining his technique in man coverage and enhancing his physicality to become a more well-rounded defender.
Cypress’ potential as a zone corner and a special teams contributor could allow him to find a role in the right system, with the possibility of developing into a more significant part of an NFL secondary over time.
Round 6 Pick 211 Sai’vion Jones Edge (LSU)
Sai’Vion Jones dominates at the point of attack, using strong hands to move linemen and maintain awareness of the backfield.
He effectively gains inside leverage by shooting gaps and showcases a powerful lower body, making him a stout run defender with sharp instincts.
His speed allows for effective pursuit, and his athleticism suggests he can transition to outside linebacker while excelling in coverage.
With a prototypical size of 6’6″and 280 pounds and the potential for added weight, Jones displays quickness at the snap and maintains excellent pad level.
His explosiveness in pass-rush situations is complemented by violent hands and skillful inside counter moves, making him a formidable presence on the field.
Round 7 Pick 250 Damien Martinez RB (Miami)
Damien Martinez, who is 6’0” and 232 pounds, is a high-floor prospect poised to make an immediate impact as part of a committee backfield—the perfect compliment to Ashton Jeanty.
His powerful running style excels at gaining tough yards between the tackles, making him an asset for teams focused on a dominant ground game.
While he may lack true three-down back capabilities, he is a reliable early-down hammer and short-yardage specialist.
In the right system, Martinez can develop into a workhorse with 15 to 20 carries per game.
His vision, patience, and power make him a perfect fit for zone-blocking schemes.
Teams emphasizing a power running game will benefit from his ability to wear down defenses and decisively close out games in the fourth quarter.
These picks could help the new coaching staff implement a new play style.
Any coach looks for big, strong, athletic, smart players, but this staff will emphasize these traits.
Having an incredible roster to start with will make drafting players for need while also getting exceptional talent much easier.
Here’s hoping this staff will take advantage of the deep talent pool at several positions in the draft.
I can see that you have no idea of what the Cowboys need to draft. I RB in the first round, just does not make any sense. RB can be found all through the draft and Jeanty did not play the Calibur of team like an ASU or Ohio State. DL or DE should be address in the first round. If they want to compete in the NFL RB in the first round is not the way you do it. We should learn from Zeke and Robinson, RB does not make your team a playoff/SB team. But a strong D and O line makes you team better and more of a playoff team.
So, Saquon Barkley did not help the Eagles make the Super Bowl, despite being a first-round pick.
Ashton didn’t play anyone? Are you serious? He had 192 rushing yards against #7 Oregon, 209 yards against #20 UNLV, and 104 yards against #6 Penn State. Please do some research before making such comments.
I have to agree with Cody here, Ashton is a stud we would get lucky if he falls to us, I think he’s going at 6 to the raiders. The rest of your choices are pretty well thought out, I would be very happy with this draft!
But the Eagles didn’t draft Saquon, did they? The Giants did. And how did that turn out? How did Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon, Leonard Fournette, Sony Michel, Travis Etienne, CEH, Najee Harris all turn out for the teams that drafted them? Maybe you get lucky and draft the next Saquon, Josh Jacobs, or McCaffrey. But all 3 of the teams that drafted those players were still awful and eventually traded them away to better teams (or let them leave in FA). Drafting an RB early is a luxury afforded to teams who have most of the roster complete. Dallas… Does not. We have needs all over the roster. Also, pick 12 in the draft this year gets a 4 year/32M salary fully guaranteed. Is giving this to a 1st round RB worth it when you can get 80% of the production from 10% of the cost, and use that money on a more valuable position? Notice the Chiefs have Isaiah Pacheco (Pick 251) as their starting RB and still made a Super Bowl. You can get a really good RB later in the draft. I’m not even saying we shouldn’t draft Jeanty, but let’s not pretend that being a first round RB means they’re going to be a cure-all for this team.
The odds of getting a standout player in the first round are much better than selecting a player in the seventh round. The team in Dallas, under the new coaching staff, will need a solid running back. If Rico Dowdle is not re-signed, I would prefer to take a chance on some of the talented players who many predict will be great, rather than selecting a late-round running back who has several flaws in their game. For every Pacheco, there are five Deuce Vaughns. Additionally, this roster isn’t bad; I don’t understand that line of thinking. We have Pro Bowl players throughout the team.
I don’t think a lot of people understand just how good Jeanty is. Even if Zach retires, the OL was run blocking quite well at the end of last season. Adding Jeanty would be the quickest way to the playoffs. That running game would help Dak A LOT. Jeanty is worth it IF he’s still there at 12.
Thank you for understanding the current state of the Cowboys’ offensive line.Also, the new offensive coordinator has a proven track record of enhancing players’ performance to improve the run game.
Let me preface by saying the article was good with a lot of research. However, yes they have these popularity contest Pro Bowl players, but no playoff wins.
And if Jeanty is gone before they pick, then what? IMO, there will be very good RBs in the second round as the RBs class is deep. Don’t have wait to the seventh.
If they are able to draft him, great. But Cowboy fans shouldn’t be disappointed if not. He is just one piece of a puzzle that really has a lot of fluid parts/holes.
IMO, it’s going to be a while before this team gets competitive enough to go deep into the playoffs, if they are even able to get there for the next year or two, unfortunately. Too many question marks, a new coaching staff, and still the big elephant on the field behind center.
BTW, been watching them since 1966, so have a pretty good idea what it takes and right now it looks challenging, especially in a talent revamped division. Now if they crush the draft and add some really good FAs, who knows for sure? Maybe.
Sony Michel managed to get a ring and he was decent with the pats
Took the words right out of my mouth lol
Excellent article
Vam…LOVE your response. I agree that RB is a luxury pick. Zeke was “good” one year and it was due to the OL, not his abilities. He got fat, lazy and slow quickly. I know we can’t predict trades, but were I the Cowboys, I would trade down several times and pick up tons of 3rd and 4th round pix. Greatest needs are OL, especially G/C; DT, LB, WR and swing OT. I’d put another RB BELOW that list. Najee Harris is a beast and with no OL in PIT, he was nothing. You can’t run through a brick wall. However, even I can run through a lane that is 20 feet wide! (Though my 54 year old legs wouldn’t get me far!)
I have been watching Dallas for nearly 50 years…since I knew what a football was. I am also a HUGE draft junkie. Accept that this is a rebuilding year. Accept that we have trash at QB and are locked in for 4 more years. Then, take what the draft can give us and move forward!
get aston jensty
Jenty would be great no doubt, but if the boys went another direction in the 1st or he’s taken before Dallas, there is other options at RB. Let’s not forget Cam Skattebo. He will be a stud in the NFL and can be picked up later in the draft. TreyVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are elite talent, Dj Giddens, Devin Neal, Donovan Edwards, RJ Harvey, Omarion Hampton and Kaleb Johnson. There are a few more I’m forgetting but the point is jenty isn’t the only option if Dallas was to fix other holes in the first round.