As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys are in a prime position to not only fill key roster needs but also make a bit of history by potentially drafting three players from the same school in the first three rounds.
If the Cowboys opt to select those players from the University of Texas, they would be forming a rare draft trifecta; one that could bring both talent and chemistry straight from Austin to Arlington.
This is the third installment of my series where the Dallas Cowboys select three players from the same school in the first three rounds.
The only rules to this exercise are that the trio needs to be from the same college, and the players selected must improve the roster at their respective positions.
It’s an exercise that has been fun to do. To read previous installments of this series, utilize the following links:
- Michigan
- Ohio State
Without further ado, let’s see how it might look if the Cowboys set their sights on Austin for their first three picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Round 1, Pick 12: WR Matthew Golden
Golden, who transferred from Houston to Texas and quickly made an impact, has all the tools to be a dynamic NFL wideout.
Standing at 6’0” and weighing around 200 pounds, he combines speed, route-running precision, and reliable hands.
He excelled in Texas’s high-powered offense, consistently beating press coverage and making plays after the catch.
For Dallas, Golden could serve as an immediate complement to CeeDee Lamb, giving Dak Prescott another explosive option.
The Cowboys’ offense was stagnant in 2024 and struggled with depth at receiver beyond Lamb.
Golden’s ability to stretch the field vertically while also being a threat underneath makes him a versatile asset.
Drafting him at #12 might feel like a reach to some, but if the front office believes he can be a Day one starter and game-changer, the investment makes sense.
Round 2, Pick 44: S Andrew Mukuba
S Andrew Mukuba, another key contributor on the Texas defense, is known for his intelligence, range, and tackling ability.
Originally from Clemson, he transferred to Texas and immediately became a leader in the secondary.
At 6’0”, 195 pounds, he has the athleticism to cover tight ends and slot receivers, as well as the physicality to play near the line of scrimmage.
Dallas has been seeking long-term answers at safety, with injuries and inconsistency plaguing the position.
Mukuba would be a valuable addition to Matt Eberflus’ scheme, especially if the Cowboys continue their emphasis on hybrid defenders who can play multiple roles.
The versatile defensive back could come in and immediately replace the slot cornerback position vacated by Jourdan Lewis, or he could supplant either Donovan Wilson or Juanyeh Thomas for a starting role at safety.
His familiarity with top-tier competition in the Big 12 and SEC would help him transition smoothly to the NFL.
Round 3, Pick 76: DT Alfred Collins
Rounding out this potential Texas trio is DT Alfred Collins, a physically gifted defensive lineman who finally began to reach his ceiling in 2024.
At 6’5”, 320 pounds, Collins is a monster in the middle. He has shown flashes of dominance against the run and pass, and his combination of size and athleticism makes him a prototypical 3-technique tackle in a 4-3 defense.
Interior defensive line has been an area of concern for Dallas, and while Osa Odighizuwa has been solid, Collins could bring much-needed rotation depth and long-term upside.
He’s the kind of mid-round pick who could blossom into a key contributor, especially under a coaching staff that knows how to develop raw talent.
Under the tutelage of DL Coach Aaron Whitecotton and the mentorship of veterans Solomon Thomas and the aforementioned Odighizuwa, Collins can develop into a key contributor by season’s end.
Longhorn Ready
It’s not common for a team to select three players from the same college in a single draft, let alone in the first three rounds. However, doing so can offer unique advantages.
The chemistry and familiarity between Golden, Mukuba, and Collins could help them adjust to the NFL together.
Additionally, these are three players who have already thrived in a high-pressure, big-brand environment, something they’d be walking into again in Dallas.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian’s program emphasizes NFL-readiness, and all three of these players would arrive with solid fundamentals and experience in pro-style schemes.
For a Cowboys team seeking to stay competitive in a tough NFC, building a core of young, talented, and cohesive players makes strategic sense.