In the four-round 2025 NFL mock draft, the Cowboys add a bruised running back and trade back.

The Dallas Cowboys have always been a team known for its unique blend of offensive firepower and stout defense, with their draft picks often making waves both on the field and in the boardroom. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Cowboys face some critical decisions regarding their roster. With a few key positions to fill and some intriguing prospects on the board, general manager Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy have their eyes set on bolstering both sides of the ball to continue their pursuit of another Super Bowl championship.

In this four-round mock draft, we’ll take a detailed look at the Cowboys’ potential strategy. The 2025 draft is expected to be particularly loaded with talent, and the Cowboys are in a good position to make some impactful selections. However, they may also decide to trade back in the first round, moving down to gather more assets and stockpile future talent. Additionally, one of the more intriguing aspects of the Cowboys’ draft strategy in this mock is the decision to add a bruising running back, a position that could add some much-needed depth to their already solid offense.

The 2025 Dallas Cowboys Draft Needs

Before diving into the selections, let’s first analyze the Cowboys’ current roster and some of the areas they will likely need to address during the draft:

1. Running Back Depth: Despite having a solid running back in Tony Pollard, who has shown flashes of brilliance, the Cowboys need to find a bruising complement to him. Pollard excels in space, but a more traditional, downhill runner could add a different dimension to the offense, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
2. Wide Receiver: While CeeDee Lamb has emerged as the team’s top target, the Cowboys could still use additional help at the wide receiver position. Adding depth here could allow the team to create mismatches and provide quarterback Dak Prescott with more options in the passing game.
3. Offensive Line: The Cowboys have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, but injuries and aging players could soon create a need for reinforcements. Tyron Smith has been a staple at left tackle for years, but his future is uncertain. Finding a young, versatile lineman to groom for the future will be key.
4. Cornerback: While the Cowboys have a solid defense, the secondary could use some help at cornerback. With Trevon Diggs locking down one side of the field, a strong number two cornerback is needed to keep the defense in top form.
5. Edge Rusher: Although the Cowboys boast a fierce pass rush with players like Micah Parsons, they need to bolster the depth at edge rusher. A versatile and explosive player in this position could give them even more firepower on defense.

With these areas of need in mind, let’s take a closer look at the Cowboys’ potential picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Round 1 (Trade Back)

• Pick: Trade back with the New York Jets (Pick 19)
• Compensation: The Cowboys trade the 15th pick to the Jets for Picks 19, 54 (2nd Round), and a 2026 4th Round Pick

In this scenario, the Cowboys decide to trade back in the first round to accumulate more picks in the draft. The New York Jets, who are in desperate need of offensive line help, want to move up and grab one of the top offensive linemen available. The Cowboys, knowing they have a deep pool of players they like, are content with moving back four spots and picking up an extra second-rounder along with a future fourth-round pick. This strategy gives the Cowboys more flexibility to address other needs while still being in a good position to grab high-quality talent.

With the 19th overall pick, the Cowboys select Brock Morrow, a running back from Alabama.

Round 1, Pick 19 – Brock Morrow, RB, Alabama

Brock Morrow is a big, physical running back who stands at 6’2″ and weighs 230 pounds. Known for his bruising running style, Morrow is capable of carrying the load in short-yardage situations and picking up tough yards between the tackles. He excels at breaking arm tackles and punishing defenders who try to take him down with weak attempts.

While the Cowboys have Tony Pollard as their primary running back, Morrow’s power and downhill running style are exactly what the offense has been missing. Pollard is more of an explosive back who thrives on the perimeter and in open space, but there are times when the Cowboys need a traditional back who can grind out those critical third-and-short or goal-line opportunities. Morrow fits that role perfectly, and his physicality will add a different dimension to the Cowboys’ rushing attack.

Morrow’s ability to also catch passes out of the backfield adds a layer of versatility, making him an ideal complement to Pollard. The selection of Morrow will allow the Cowboys to establish a strong ground game and control the clock when needed, which is crucial for winning games in the playoffs and making a deep run for a Super Bowl.

Round 2, Pick 54 – Zayden Knight, WR, Texas A&M

In the second round, the Cowboys choose to address another key area of need—wide receiver—by selecting Zayden Knight from Texas A&M.

Knight is a 6’1″, 205-pound wide receiver known for his impressive route-running ability and sharp cuts. His ability to create separation with his quickness and his ability to go up and make contested catches makes him a dangerous weapon for Dak Prescott. Knight can play both inside and outside, providing flexibility and depth to the Cowboys’ receiving corps. While CeeDee Lamb has emerged as the team’s number one target, Knight’s development can provide Prescott with another reliable option to create mismatches on the field.

Knight has the potential to thrive in both short-yardage situations and as a downfield threat. His combination of route running, physicality, and strong hands will make him a valuable asset, especially in a division that will likely be competitive in 2025. Adding Knight will give Prescott more firepower in the passing game, with the ability to stretch the field and keep opposing defenses on their toes.

Round 3, Pick 82 – Ellis Gray, OT, Oregon

As the Cowboys look to bolster their offensive line, they turn to Ellis Gray, an offensive tackle from Oregon, with the 82nd pick.

Gray, standing at 6’6″ and weighing 330 pounds, is an extremely versatile lineman capable of playing both tackle positions. His strength and mobility have made him one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 draft. With the Cowboys’ current offensive line aging, especially with Tyron Smith entering the twilight of his career, Gray provides the team with a future anchor at the tackle position.

Gray excels in both the run game and pass protection, which will make him an immediate contributor as a depth piece, with the potential to develop into a starter over the next few seasons. This pick is all about preparing for the future while still maintaining a strong offensive line capable of supporting the team’s rushing and passing attacks.

Round 4, Pick 113 – Elijah Collins, CB, Michigan

With the 113th pick in the draft, the Cowboys address their need for a cornerback by selecting Elijah Collins from Michigan.

Collins is a physical cornerback who stands at 6’0″ and has a tough, no-nonsense approach to defense. Known for his ability to play both man-to-man and zone coverage, Collins has shown the ability to stick to his assignment and make plays on the ball. His instincts and awareness allow him to be a reliable option on the outside, and his ability to match up against bigger, stronger wide receivers will be an asset in the Cowboys’ secondary.

With Trevon Diggs locking down one side of the field, Collins will provide the Cowboys with a solid number two corner who can grow into a key contributor for years to come. The Cowboys will be looking for him to provide depth behind Diggs and Jourdan Lewis while contributing to a defense that already has elite pass rushers like Micah Parsons.