A 2025 seven-round NFL mock draft is always a fun what-if for Cowboys fans.
The following mock draft is unconventional compared to others, but it would fill in the roster gaps.
According to all the experts—and so-called experts—in the world of social media, the Dallas Cowboys have multiple needs at numerous positions.
These are the more prominent positions of need as seen on numerous sites:
- Offensive line
- Running Back
- Wide Reciever
- Defensive Tackle
- Defensive End
- Cornerback
- Safety
These positions are in no particular order and should be drafted according to the best player available when the Cowboys are up to draft.
As mentioned earlier, the positions above should be drafted unless an elite talent falls at a position that is not needed.
It would be nice if the front office signed outside free agents to fill these roles, but as fans, we know that the best players would not be signed. That is why this draft is so important.
With all that said, let’s get into this mock draft.
Round 1 Pick 17 – Armand Membou OT (Missouri)
(Trade with Cincinatti)(Traded 12 for 17 and 49)
The Dallas Cowboys traded down five spots and picked up another second-round pick. The trade was made with Ashton Jeanty and Tetoria McMillian off the board.
Moving five posts back and drafting Armand Membou, a right tackle from the University of Missouri, is a great move that helps solidify a weak spot on the line.
Armand Membou (20) is 6’3″and 314 lbs, an athletic marvel. At his size, he has only 18% body fat. He had an electronic 10-yard time of 1.63 and a 20-yard time of 2.80.
He also has a 32-inch vertical and squatted 600lbs in college.
He also brings masterful body control that allows him to mirror pass rushers. He stays balanced through contact and shows an excellent understanding of leverage points in pass protection.
Membou delivers powerful independent hand strikes that regularly stun defenders and can hold his ground against bull rushes despite being shorter than many edge players.
He expertly handles stunts and blitzes, demonstrating veteran savvy and exceptional mental processing skills to navigate complex pressures without losing position.
His high-level athletic abilities are evident on the field, as he changes direction smoothly and exhibits a remarkable burst of speed when targeting second-level defenders.
He is a tenacious finisher who aims to overpower opponents once he makes contact. He displays consistent competitive toughness and continues the play with aggressive intent.
As a quick-footed athlete, he excels at reaching and sealing defenders during outside-zone runs. His lateral agility, combined with explosiveness, makes him an ideal fit for modern running schemes.
He has a sophisticated understanding of how to vary his pass sets and hand techniques, keeping rushers off balance with various approaches instead of relying on predictable patterns.
Only 6’3” could hurt him as a tackle in the NFL, but he has the tools to play inside at right guard if needed.
Depending on how the coaching staff sees him fitting into their scheme, this player could replace Terance Steele or Zack Martin.
Round 2 Pick 44 Mike Green DE (Marshall)
Mike Green is a former wide receiver and linebacker who is 6’4 “and 248 lbs. He has the athleticism to be a terror for offensive linemen.
He ran a 4.57 40-yard dash, which should make him one of the fastest linemen at the combine, but his weight could be a negative for some front offices.
However, Green’s defining trait as an NFL edge defender is his explosive first step and sophisticated rush plan, both of which keep offensive tackles off balance.
This combination of speed and technique is particularly effective during passing downs. However, his 248-pound frame raises concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of NFL offensive tackles in the run game.
He will likely assume a specialized role in his rookie year, focusing on what he does best—hunting quarterbacks in sub-packages.
As a standup rusher in a 3-4 defensive front, Green possesses the potential to develop into more than just a situational pass rusher.
His natural leverage and rapidly improving hand usage indicate room for growth, even though he may never be a power player capable of setting the edge.
His tape demonstrates enough physicality, especially against tight ends, to suggest he could become a three-down player once his frame fills out.
The critical challenge will be maintaining his unique movement skills while adding the necessary mass.
He would also benefit from learning from Micah Parsons, another undersized pass rusher the Dallas Cowboys employ. These two could combine to become one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL.
The new defensive coordinator’s scheme is predicated on the front four creating the pass rush, so adding a player like Mike Green will help accomplish this rush.
Round 2 Pick 49 Kaleb Johnson RB (Iowa)
Kaleb Johnson (21) is a 6′ tall, 225 lb do-it-all back from the University of Iowa.
In his first three seasons, Johnson racked up an impressive 1,927 rushing yards on 350 carries, securing the 17th spot in program history.
He distinguished himself as only the fifth player in Iowa history to achieve multiple games with over 200 rushing yards.
Johnson’s junior year was extraordinary. After four games in the 2024 season, he stood out as the nation’s leader with 685 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
His impressive average of 8.4 yards per carry, combined with his explosive big-play capability, transformed Iowa’s offense. With nine runs exceeding 25 yards and two surpassing 50 yards, Johnson made a powerful impact on the field.
Kaleb Johnson displays excellent vision and decision-making in the backfield. He hits holes with authority and rarely hesitates.
He is a bowling ball type of runner who bounces off defenders and always falls forward for extra yards.
Johnson shows good initial and burst acceleration and can quickly reach top speed. He also possesses scheme versatility and is effective in both gap and zone schemes.
His most notable attribute is that he is a true workhorse back who does not wear down late in games but continues to punish defenses.
Kaleb Johnson can also catch out of the backfield, which opens the playbook with screen passes.
This running back could be a DeMarco Murray type for the Cowboys, and that would solve several issues with this offense.
Round 3 Pick 76 Isaiah Bond WR (Texas)
Isaiah Bond (20) is a speedster at the wide receiver position. However, his slight size and history of disappearing in games could have caused him to drop down the draft board.
Bond stands at 5’11 and weighs 180 lbs, but has 4.28 speed, which will translate to the NFL.
The Dallas Cowboys need help outside CeeDee Lamb, and Bond could open up the intermediate routes with the threat of burning the defense.
What else can Isaiah Bond bring to the offense?
He is a dynamic player with explosive acceleration. He can reach top speed in an instant and generate impressive chunk plays, with an average of 18.2 yards per catch in 2024.
As a savvy route runner, he consistently creates separation at all three levels of the field.
His soft hands enable him to snatch the ball away from his frame, evidenced by an impressive record of zero drops in 2024.
He is a significant threat for yards after the catch, demonstrating exceptional vision to locate cutback lanes and agility to leave defenders behind.
This versatile weapon can easily line up outside, operate in the slot, or execute jet sweeps.
He is a proven big-play maker who consistently delivers explosive performances. His competitive toughness shines as he fearlessly works the middle and contributes as a dedicated blocker.
This is the type of playmaker the Cowboys’ offense needs to soften the defense and distract attention from the other stars.
Round 5 Pick 150 Jamaree Caldwell DT (Oregon)
A big boy up front is just what the doctor ordered for this defense: someone who can eat up blocks and get after the quarterback.
Spending a fifth-round pick on the 6’1 and 340 lbs Jamaree Caldwell from Oregon would be a home run for this team.
In 34 games between the University of Houston and Oregon, Caldwell amassed 68 combined tackles, 18 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.
Not bad numbers for a big guy, but what does this player bring to the team outside of the stats?
Caldwell is a powerful force with a high-energy presence on the interior defensive line.
His compact build and natural leverage give him a significant advantage in run defense. At the same time, his explosive quickness off the snap allows him to penetrate and disrupt plays in the backfield effectively.
At the NFL level, Caldwell is ideally suited to fill the role of a 3-technique in a 4-3 defensive scheme or a 5-technique in a 3-4 alignment.
His capability to two-gap and occupy blocks is invaluable on early downs, positioning him to make an immediate impact as a rotational player.
However, to evolve into a three-down player, Caldwell must expand his pass-rush techniques and enhance his ability to consistently disengage from blockers.
Caldwell’s experience competing against top-tier talent in the Big 12 and his development under Oregon’s coaching staff will facilitate a seamless transition to the NFL.
His powerful combination of strength, speed, and relentless motor makes him a standout mid-round prospect for teams eager to bolster their defensive line rotation.
Round 5 Pick 170 Jack Kiser LB (Notre Dame)
In the fifth round, the Cowboys pick up a talented multi-positional linebacker, Jack Kiser.
Jack Kiser displays football instincts and play recognition at Notre Dame. He consistently diagnosed plays pre-snap.
At the senior bowl, his skills were on full display in coverage against running backs in the one-on-one drills.
Along with his coverage skills, he is versatile as a linebacker. He can play the MIKE, WILL, and ROVER positions.
This versatility could keep him on the field.
He is a reliable open-field tackler known for his excellent form and consistent wrap-up technique. An effective blitzer, he has good timing and can slip blocks in the A-gap.
He is also a core special teams contributor, significantly impacting coverage units.
With strong ball production skills, he has a knack for creating turnovers and deflecting passes. Additionally, he is a high-motor player with excellent durability, rarely missing snaps due to injury.
As a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, he would slot in nicely with Marist Liufau and DeMarvion Overshown, giving the Cowboys an athletic young linebacker core.
Round 5 Pick 172 Raheim Sanders RB (South Carolina)
Raheim Sanders stands at 6’0 and 235 lbs, making him a load to bring down by defensive players.
He would have been a first-round pick if not for injuries that seemed to have sapped some of his speed, but teaming him with a back like Kaleb Johnson could be an amazing compliment.
He boasts a dominant frame that he effectively uses to overpower smaller opponents easily. The nickname “Rocket” perfectly encapsulates his explosive open-field runs.
His distinctive running style keeps defenders on their toes, making it nearly impossible for them to predict his next move.
Despite his size, he exhibits remarkable agility, allowing him to swiftly reach the edges in tight spaces without any unnecessary buildup.
He excels with superior contact balance, driving his lower body powerfully upon contact to consistently fall forward.
His ability to blend patience with decisiveness at the line of scrimmage is unmatched; he skillfully spots and exploits cutback lanes in zone schemes.
This potent combination of vision and burst allows him to slice through the line of scrimmage and rapidly advance upfield.
In the receiving game, he demonstrates strong hands and a keen ability to adjust to off-target passes.
Time and again, he resists being taken down, both at the line of scrimmage and in open space, thanks to his exceptional contact balance and powerful leg drive.
Having Sanders and Johnson in the backfield could create a duo that matches what the Lions created with their running backs. With the way the running back room looked last year, this would be a great change.
Round 5 Pick 174 Mitchell Evans TE (Notre Dame)
The Dallas Cowboys’ offense will be more focused on the run, and to accomplish this feat, it will need tight ends who can block.
Mitchell Evans fits that mold, and he can catch, too.
Mitchell Evans is an exceptional tight-end prospect poised to make a significant impact in the NFL.
His impressive size at 6’5 and 260 lbs, dependable hands, and evolving blocking skills position him as a highly sought-after target, likely to be picked on day two of the draft.
While he may not showcase elite athleticism, Evans’ impressive production and keen football IQ indicate he is ready to step in as a starting-caliber tight end.
At the professional level, Evans will thrive in offenses that leverage tight end involvement in both the passing and running game.
He is ideally suited for teams that utilize multiple tight-end formations and incorporate play-action strategies.
With his skill set, Evans has the potential to be a dependable target in the short to intermediate passing game while also making significant contributions in the run game.
By continuously refining his route-running and pass-protection techniques, Evans is poised to surpass his draft status and become a key player for an NFL offense.
This could be the second tight end the Cowboys have been trying to find to put opposite of Jake Ferguson. It could also help elevate Ferguson’s game with a tight end capable of taking snaps from him on the roster.
Round 6 Pick 190, Nohl Williams
The uncertainty of the cornerbacks on this roster could have led Dallas to take one earlier, but this draft did not fall that way.
So, in the sixth round, the Cowboys select Nohl Williams, a 6’1 “and 200 lb cornerback from the University of California.
Williams is an elite competitive defensive back known for his physicality at the line of scrimmage and prowess in press coverage.
He aggressively challenges wide receivers and excels in defending runs and screens, although his intensity can sometimes lead to missed tackles.
He effectively keeps receivers guessing by altering his stance before the snap. With excellent agility and hip movement, he maintains strong coverage, though he may sometimes struggle with quick direction changes.
Williams stays closely connected to receivers in man coverage and quickly reads their movements, disrupting their timing with precise punches.
He has an explosive burst and deep speed to close gaps, but if he opens his hips prematurely, he can be vulnerable to quick inside releases.
While he communicates well in zone coverage, indecisiveness can creep in.
His ball skills are exceptional, allowing him to quickly locate and knock down passes. Williams also understands angles and excels in recovery and run defense.
Overall, he combines competitiveness and physicality with his special teams experience enhancing his value.
He has the potential to be a significant contributor for the Dallas Cowboys, and learning from two All-Pro cornerbacks will accelerate the NFL’s learning curve.
Round 6 Pick 211 Ja’Corey Brooks WR (Louisville)
Ja’Corey Brooks, a Louisville wide receiver, is entering the NFL Draft after a noteworthy career that started at Alabama.
At 6’3″ and 195 pounds, he was a five-star recruit from IMG Academy, showcasing his skills as a top target.
During his time at Alabama, Brooks made a crucial touchdown catch in the 2021 Iron Bowl. In his sophomore year, he recorded 674 receiving yards and led the team with eight touchdown receptions, averaging 17.3 yards per catch.
However, a shoulder injury limited his junior season to just three receptions for 30 yards before he transferred to Louisville.
Despite his early promise, Brooks’ draft stock has been affected by inconsistent performance and injury concerns.
Nevertheless, his physical attributes and high school pedigree suggest significant untapped potential, positioning him to make an impact at the NFL level.
If the Cowboys’ new coaching staff is able to tap into Brooks’s potential, he could be the perfect complement to CeeDee Lamb and Isaiah Bond. A late-round flyer on this type of player could ultimately pay off.
Round 7 Pick 249 Ethan Downs DE (Oklahoma)
Ethan Downs may not boast impressive stats like high sack numbers, but his commitment to the game are evident.
With 25 starts over the past two seasons, he brings invaluable experience as he joins one of the nation’s most seasoned defenses in 2024.
He has recorded nine sacks and 20 tackles for loss, with the goal of increasing these figures this season.
Downs showcases powerful hands that allow him to disrupt offensive linemen off the snap.
Although he needs to improve his consistency, his coiled stance generates explosive power, enabling him to dominate engagements and effectively recognize various run blocks.
As a pass rusher, Downs has a substantial array of moves and demonstrates tenacity, particularly when timing the snap to close in on ball carriers.
However, he must develop a signature move to enhance his strategy and avoid becoming lost in a pass rush. This season, improving his play recognition and consistency is essential for boosting his stats.
With the energy, power, and speed to be a standout defensive end, Downs must focus on refining his skills to fully realize his potential.
Ethan Downs could help the Cowboys by being a rotational player with the potential to become a starter.
Being in a room with Micah Parsons, Sam Williams, and Marshawn Kneeland will help this young man develop into an average to good NFL player.
This mock draft may not be for everyone, but it fills numerous needs and attracts some high-end talent to help this team compete.
This draft includes players with a proven track record at the collegiate level, from the running backs to the offensive wide receivers and defensive players.