3-Round Cowboys Mock Draft: Trade Back Time

Now that we’re closing in on April, it’s officially Cowboys Mock Draft Monday season. While a surprise signing could still come in, it seems that Dallas has made their moves for free agency and is looking toward the draft.

The front office was significantly more active this year than in previous ones, but their moves were mostly confined to cheap one-year deals.

These veterans should contribute some, but they aren’t going to shape the course of the 2025 season. What could do that, however, is the draft class Dallas ends up with.

We’ve seen great classes take over seasons, like in 2016 and 2022, while the Cowboys down years are almost always tied to a low-contributing class. The 2019 class, headed by Trysten Hill, is one example of that.

https://twitter.com/timeforjeffrey/status/1122260479366373376

If Dallas wants to avoid one of those years, they will need to craft a class that both fills immediate starting-level needs and brings in strong depth pieces. They may need to trade back to achieve that.

With that in mind, let’s get into this three-round Cowboys mock draft, so we can start to forecast the 2025 roster.

Round 1 Pick 20: Jahdae Barron, Cornerback, Texas

Trade: Cowboys receive 20th pick, 51st pick. Broncos receive 12th pick.

In a trade back with the Denver Broncos, the Cowboys are able to bring in an additional second-round pick, and an immediate starter at cornerback.

Jahdae Barron, an Austin native and former Texas Longhorn, projects as one of the top cornerbacks in this draft class. At 5’11”, 194 lbs, this senior DB ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and reeled in five interceptions this past season.

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1865554537236386131

With the loss of Jourdan Lewis in free agency and the uncertainty around Trevon Diggs due to injury, cornerback has quickly become a huge need for Dallas.

While the 12th pick may be a bit high for the 23-year-old, a move down into the early 20s could be the sweet spot for Barron.

I would expect the Cowboys to start him out in the nickel, as a true replacement for Lewis.

Dallas did formally meet with him at the Scouting Combine, so there is interest here. It may pain some to see the Cowboys pass on both running back and wide receiver in the first, but the depth at those positions is deeper than it is at cornerback.

Round 2 Pick 44: Jayden Higgins, Wide Receiver, Iowa State

If you’ve been paying attention to the Cowboys free agency class, you’ve surely noticed the lack of wide receiver help. Aside from Parris Campbell, who may not even make the 53-man roster, Dallas has not patched up one of their biggest weaknesses.

This means they are likely to fill the need in the draft, and Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins is the perfect second-round option.

https://twitter.com/NFL_DF/status/1885001305275408516

At 6’4″ with a 39″ vertical, Higgins projects as a big red-zone target for the Cowboys offense.

He would complement CeeDee Lamb well, as Dallas’ star could continue getting a lot of reps in the slot with Higgins manning the outside.

If Dallas isn’t able to land one of the top guys, like Tetairoa McMillan, Higgins would be a fantastic backup option who could start right away and produce. This is a legitimate WR2 option if the Cowboys want it.

Round 2 Pick 51 (via DEN): Jordan Phillips, Nose Tackle, Maryland

Now, I know that Cowboys fans everywhere will be screaming for a running back here, but you cannot forget about the trenches.

Dallas brought in Matt Eberflus to run the defense, and he’s had a clear impact on their movements this offseason. From re-signing Osa Odighizuwa to signing Jack Sanborn, one of his top linebackers from Chicago, Eberflus has some influence.

If that continues into the draft, which it will, Maryland Nose Tackle Jordan Phillips is a key name to watch.

https://twitter.com/BillyM_91/status/1883314149486387472

He is one of the best nose tackles in this class, and Dallas needs to find a way to fill that spot quickly. Their run defense has plagued them for years, and pairing Odighizuwa’s pass rush with Phillips as the primary run-stuffer is a perfect solution.

Phillips has a strong reputation as a leader, is only 20 years old, and has a ton of potential. This would be the smart pick for Dallas after getting an offensive weapon at 44.

Round 3 Pick 76: DJ Giddens, Running Back, Kansas State

It wouldn’t be a Cowboys mock draft without a running back, and with the 76th pick in this one, they get their guy.

DJ Giddens, a standout running back from Kansas State, is a name that Cowboys fans must get familiar with. The team hired his offensive line coach, Conor Riley, to handle that same job in Dallas earlier this offseason, and he might want Giddens to follow.

The Kansas native was ridiculously productive as a Wildcat, rushing for 1,226 yards in 2023, and 1,343 in 2024.

https://twitter.com/WamNFL/status/1900006773920071696

He is a powerful runner with a great frame who surprised people after running a stellar 4.43 40-yard dash. He’s got vision, he breaks tackles, he can run, and he has a direct connection to the Dallas coaching staff; need I say more?

If the third round rolls around and the team hasn’t addressed running back yet, expect Giddens to be the first name they consider, if he is still on the board.

Combining him with an additional late-round running back selection could give the Cowboys the juice they’ve been needing at the position.