Cowboys get Buckeye Fever in this playful draft scenario

The Dallas Cowboys, a franchise that thrives on star power and strong college pipelines, could make a bold and calculated move in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting three players from the same school in the first three rounds.

This is the second installment of my series on the 2025 NFL Draft, focusing on one school that the Dallas Cowboys could select their first three picks from.

In the first article of this series, we focused on Michigan, which has been earmarked in recent years by Cowboys fans as a school to avoid because of failed draft picks DE Taco Charlton and a premature evaluation of DT Mazi Smith.

Today’s installment brings us to a team the fans would be more comfortable with, and Michigan’s biggest rival: Ohio State University.

Ohio State has a rich history of stellar draft picks who have gone on to have Hall of Fame and All-Pro careers in the NFL.

Dallas could do much worse than select three players from this school, so let the games begin.

Remember, the only rules to this exercise are that the players must be from the same school, and the selection must be a position of need or an immediate upgrade to the roster.

For quick access to previous installments of this series, utilize the following links:

Michigan

Round 1, Pick 12: WR Emeka Egbuka

The Cowboys could kick off their draft by grabbing one of the most polished receivers in the 2025 class: WR Emeka Egbuka.

With WR CeeDee Lamb already an elite option, the addition of Egbuka would give Dallas a dynamic weapon who can thrive both in the slot and outside.

Egbuka’s smooth route running, excellent hands, and ability to separate make him an ideal fit in Brian Schottenheimer’s system.

His presence would give Dak Prescott (or his successor) another elite target and would alleviate pressure on Lamb, especially in high-leverage third-down and red zone situations.

After losing Brandin Cooks in free agency and lacking consistent WR3 production, adding a plug-and-play receiver like Egbuka could reinvigorate the Cowboys’ passing game.

Plus, his experience in big games at Ohio State prepares him for the spotlight in Dallas.

Round 2, Pick 44: RB TreVeyon Henderson

The Cowboys’ once-formidable rushing attack took a step back after parting ways with Ezekiel Elliott and leaning heavily on Tony Pollard, who departed in free agency.

Rico Dowdle is gone and Deuce Vaughn has potential, but doesn’t profile as a workhorse back. Enter RB TreVeyon Henderson.

Henderson is a home-run hitter with elite burst and vision. When healthy, he’s shown he can be one of the most dangerous running backs in college football.

At 5’10”, 215 lbs, he offers a blend of power and speed reminiscent of a young Alvin Kamara, and his ability to contribute in the passing game adds value in today’s evolving offensive schemes.

Drafting Henderson at 44 would immediately address the Cowboys’ need for a feature back while maintaining the offensive balance that’s been missing since the Elliott-Pollard tandem was in full swing.

Henderson’s familiarity with Egbuka could help both rookies adjust quickly to the NFL, as they’d enter the league already in sync from years of playing together.

Round 3, Pick 76: DT Tyleik Williams

The Cowboys have long struggled with interior defensive line play.

While Micah Parsons will bring heat off the edges, the middle of the line often lacks consistency, especially against the run.

DT Tyleik Williams, a disruptive force from the inside, would give Dallas the interior presence it desperately needs.

Williams has prototypical size (6’3”, 320 lbs) and surprising agility for a man his size.

He’s a true gap-plugger who can eat double teams and still collapse the pocket. With Mike Zimmer gone and Matt Eberflus taking over as defensive coordinator, Williams fits the mold of a hard-nosed, high-IQ player that typically thrives within his schemes.

Buckeye Fever

While drafting three players from the same program might seem rare, it’s a savvy move when those players come from a school like Ohio State.

The Buckeyes run a pro-style system, meaning their players are often more NFL-ready than most.

Additionally, bringing in three teammates who’ve already built chemistry could create a smoother transition to the league and promote a stronger locker room culture.

This trio would touch three key areas: passing game firepower (Egbuka), a revitalized run game (Henderson), and defensive trench strength (Williams).

It’s a well-rounded draft strategy that balances need with talent while tapping into a proven collegiate pipeline.