3 “boring” but sensible picks the Cowboys could make at 12th overall

As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, they find themselves in a familiar position: stuck between the urge to make a splash and the need to fix glaring roster issues.

Picking 12th overall, Cowboys fans want them to target a flashy wide receiver, an electric edge rusher, or even a quarterback to shake things up.

But what if the Cowboys decide to play it safe like they’ve done so many times before, and take a player that will make the fans throw their hands up in despair?

This might seem like a nightmare, and it probably will be if it goes down like that, but if it does, we can at least hope that they pick players that will help the team.

The following three prospects won’t light up draft night Twitter/X (in a positive way) or dominate headlines, but each would be a fundamentally sound choice to strengthen critical areas on the roster.

These picks might be considered “boring” — but they would be helpful to the roster.

OL Will Campbell, LSU

Offensive line isn’t the sexiest position to draft, but for the Cowboys, it might be the most important for the offense HC Brian Schottenheimer wants to run.

With RG Zack Martin retiring and questions surrounding Tyler Guyton’s development, Dallas desperately needs to reinforce offensive line.

OL Will Campbell fits the mold of what the Cowboys have historically valued up front: size, power, and a nasty streak.

At 6’6” and over 320 pounds, Campbell was a multi-year starter at LSU, facing top-tier SEC pass rushers and more than holding his own.

He may not test as the most athletic tackle in the class, but his technique and toughness are NFL-ready.

Drafting Campbell might not move the needle for fans wanting a splashy playmaker, but it could help keep Dak Prescott upright and open up holes for the run game — and that’s how you win in December and January.

DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

Walter Nolen is the definition of a blue-collar defensive tackle.

He’s not going to blow up the stat sheet with sacks or forced fumbles, but he eats blocks, clogs lanes, and brings brute force to the middle of the line — something Dallas has lacked for years.

Listed at 6’4” and 315 pounds, Nolen transferred from Texas A&M to Ole Miss and made an immediate impact with his power and leverage.

He’s the kind of interior anchor who may never be a Pro Bowl mainstay, but his presence helps unlock the rest of the defense.

Just imagine Micah Parsons having more freedom to attack thanks to Nolen absorbing double-teams.

Fans may clamor for a more “explosive” defender, but adding Nolen would be a move for sustained, gritty success.

He’s the type of player who doesn’t get talked about much — until he’s gone and the run defense collapses.

TE Tyler Warren, Penn State

Tight end might not feel like a premium position for a top-15 pick, but don’t overlook how much a complete TE can change an offense.

Jake Ferguson has flashed potential, but is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Adding TE Tyler Warren could give Dallas a versatile weapon capable of elevating both the run and pass game.

At 6’6” and 255 pounds, Warren brings a rare combination of size, athleticism, and blocking ability.

He’s not a highlight-reel pass catcher like Brock Bowers, but he’s reliable, physical, and tough — a perfect fit for a balanced offense.

He’d be a security blanket in the red zone, a chain-mover on third down, and a plus blocker in 12-personnel sets.

Is a tight end at No. 12 a reach? Maybe.

But if the Cowboys are thinking long-term and want to build a physical identity, Warren makes a lot of sense.

He won’t wow you, but he’ll wear down defenses — and that wins games.