As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads. Coming off a dismal 7-10 season and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, the franchise is rightfully desperate to bounce back.
The Cowboys enter a new era under head coach Brian Schottenheimer with a roster on the move and the 12th overall pick among 10 draft picks at their disposal, enough to help shape the future.
Draft Capital and Team Needs
The picks range from first (No. 12 overall) to second (No. 44 overall) to third (No. 76 overall) to three fifth-round selections for Dallas.
These assets allow for the freedom to trade up or build depth.
I am not sure where they fall on this list, but some of their biggest roster needs include interior offensive line help (after Zack Martin retired), defensive reinforcements after DeMarcus Lawrence’s departure, a cornerback, running back, and a wide receiver.
Reinforcing these particular areas will certainly bring talk of “title contenders” back for the Cowboys.
Other sides will also be looking to do their homework right, so the competition can only get tougher. Wincomparator will analyze all NFL matchups for betting fans all over the world, including match predictions and tips.
Offensive Playmakers or Defensive Anchors?
The Cowboys are considering a few of those high-upside prospects at No. 12.
Texas receiver Matthew Golden, the ultimate smooth-route runner, who can “catch the ball well” in battle and is a serious threat, is often mentioned.
He would instantly elevate the Cowboys passing game, pairing him with CeeDee Lamb and giving Dak Prescott—or whoever winds up under center long-term—another explosive target.
One interesting move could be trading up to land Ashton Jeanty of Boise State, who many consider the best running back in the class.
Jeanty is explosive with three-down capability and would provide the type of injection in the arm that the Cowboys’ stodgy backfield sorely needs in 2025.
There is speculation that the Cowboys will attempt to jump over the Chicago Bears at No. 10 to land Jeanty.
Quarterback: Not Entirely Necessary
The Dallas Cowboys are another team not needing a QB at this very moment, having just acquired Joe Milton III from New England, but they can’t help but plan for life after Dak.
Milton is a project, but his arm and athleticism are tools to develop.
If any quarterbacks make a move before they get to Dallas, with Jalen Milroe and Jaxson Dart waving their hands in this draft, it will also impact their draft board and trade strategy.
Mid-to-Late Round Targets
Many of those middle-round predictions pair the Cowboys with Kentucky corner Maxwell Hairston, who led the SEC in interceptions this season and comes with the sort of speed and instincts that fit with Matt Eberflus’s vision for the defense.
They could also re-invest on the defensive line, where Mazi Smith flashed some in 2024 but requires competition and development around him.
The other priorities are at wide receiver and offensive guard, and the Cowboys could even look to one of their three fifth-rounders to take a flyer on a developmental lineman or gadget-style offensive weapon to add to the playbook.
The Bigger Picture
We all know this draft goes beyond talent — it goes beyond identity.
The Cowboys also want to contribute now with the decisions they make and with foundational veterans leaving, a first-time head coach in Brian Schottenheimer and Matt Eberflus serving as the DC, and uncertainty upfront about starters on both the offensive and defensive lines.
A draft like the one that is on the line here could restore dreams in Arlington and return Dallas to the forefront of a tough NFC.
If they get it wrong, it could mean another failed year for one of the most heavily scrutinized franchises in the league.
