To replace their previous NFL Draft first-round choice, the Cowboys are looking for new talent.
The Dallas Cowboys are a franchise steeped in tradition, a team that has frequently been a Super Bowl contender and a perennial fixture in the NFL playoffs. However, despite the team’s consistent talent, the franchise has not won a Super Bowl since the mid-1990s, and the pressure to build a team capable of reaching the championship pinnacle remains. A crucial element in any NFL team’s quest for success is the NFL Draft. Each draft brings opportunities to strengthen a roster with young, exciting talent, and for the Cowboys, finding that one player who can elevate the team to the next level is a critical objective.
As we look toward the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves needing to replace a previous first-round pick that didn’t pan out as hoped. The player they selected in the first round of a prior draft, while showing potential, failed to live up to expectations in terms of consistent performance or injury concerns. Thus, the team is now tasked with replacing that choice by selecting a player in the 2025 draft who can step in immediately and provide the desired impact.
The Importance of the First-Round Pick
For the Dallas Cowboys, the first-round pick is of paramount importance. As a team with significant playoff aspirations, the Cowboys’ focus is on selecting talent that can contribute immediately, rather than taking a project player who will need years of development. First-round picks are expected to make a strong, positive impact on the field from the get-go, and the pressure is on general manager Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office to identify a prospect who can step in and fill a position of need.
Dallas’ defense has been one of the team’s strongest assets in recent years, with players like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs becoming household names and creating significant disruption for opposing offenses. However, the Cowboys’ offense has seen its ups and downs. Dak Prescott, despite being a consistent leader, has had to carry the burden of a less-than-ideal supporting cast at times. The offensive line, once the backbone of the franchise, has shown signs of aging, and the running back committee has lacked a true star player to carry the load. The team’s receiving corps, while talented, still lacks a consistent deep threat outside of CeeDee Lamb.
These areas of need will shape the Cowboys’ decision-making process as they head into the 2025 NFL Draft. The first-round pick will likely be used to address one of these positions—offensive line, wide receiver, running back, or possibly defensive depth.
Filling the Hole Left by the Previous First-Round Pick
The previous first-round pick that didn’t pan out was likely a player who showed promise but either struggled with injuries or was inconsistent on the field. One example might be an offensive lineman who couldn’t stay healthy, or a defensive player who failed to live up to expectations despite a solid college career.
In situations like these, the Cowboys need to focus on drafting someone who can come in and make an immediate impact. Their first-round pick will likely be one of the following types of players:
- Offensive Line Help
As the Cowboys continue to build around quarterback Dak Prescott, their offensive line needs to be a cornerstone of the franchise. The team has long been known for its impressive offensive line play, but several veteran players are approaching the end of their careers, and the team needs to start investing in younger talent to keep the line intact. The Cowboys’ need for a future tackle or guard is significant, particularly after the retirement of long-time starter Zack Martin and the decline of Tyron Smith. Both are Hall-of-Fame-caliber players, but their careers are winding down, and the team must have a plan for the future.
The draft is the best place to find the next big name for the offensive line. A highly touted offensive tackle or guard could help solidify the offensive line and give Dak Prescott the protection he needs to take the offense to new heights.
- Wide Receiver to Complement CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee Lamb has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier young receivers, but the Cowboys have struggled to find a reliable second option in the passing game. Brandin Cooks was acquired to provide veteran experience, but the team could still use another explosive receiver to pair alongside Lamb.
The 2025 draft features a wide receiver class filled with top-tier talent, and the Cowboys would be wise to target a wide receiver in the first round. A dynamic receiver could give Dak Prescott another weapon in the passing game, stretching the field and opening up opportunities for other players on offense.
- Running Back to Complement the Committee
The Cowboys have employed a running back-by-committee approach for years, but with Ezekiel Elliott no longer in the picture and Tony Pollard coming off a major injury, the team is in need of a true feature back who can handle a large workload. Pollard is a talented and explosive back, but having a second reliable option in the backfield would give the Cowboys offense more balance.
The 2025 draft features a number of talented running backs, many of whom have proven themselves as dual threats as runners and pass-catchers. The Cowboys could look to add a running back who can step in immediately, providing a spark for the offense and keeping opposing defenses on their toes.
- Defensive Depth to Round Out the Unit
While the Cowboys’ defense has been strong in recent years, the team could always use more depth on that side of the ball. A strong defensive player in the first round would give the Cowboys more options for their defensive scheme. Adding an elite cornerback or another pass-rusher to complement Micah Parsons could elevate the team’s defense even further.
The defense is already one of the best in the NFL, but adding more talent to the secondary or defensive line could solidify the Cowboys’ chances of competing for a Super Bowl. A highly-ranked pass rusher, for example, would give the Cowboys a formidable duo with Parsons, while a lockdown cornerback would add another layer to the team’s already potent secondary.
Potential Targets for the Cowboys’ First-Round Pick in 2025
After identifying the areas of need, let’s explore some of the potential prospects the Cowboys might target with their first-round pick in the 2025 draft:
1. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Brock Bowers is widely regarded as one of the most talented tight ends to come out of college in recent years. His combination of size, speed, and pass-catching ability makes him a nightmare for defenses. While the Cowboys have a solid tight end corps, adding a player like Bowers would provide Dak Prescott with another elite option in the passing game, capable of creating mismatches against defenders.
2. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Paris Johnson Jr. is one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 draft. The Cowboys are in desperate need of a young, dominant offensive lineman to replace the aging Tyron Smith and possibly Zack Martin. Johnson is a powerful and athletic tackle who could step in and anchor the left side of the offensive line for the next decade.
3. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Marvin Harrison Jr. is one of the most electric wide receiver prospects in recent memory. His size, athleticism, and route-running ability make him a potential game-changer in the NFL. The Cowboys would love to pair him with CeeDee Lamb to create one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the league. Harrison would give Prescott an elite weapon on the outside.
4. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Jahmyr Gibbs is a versatile running back who can be a major threat as both a rusher and a receiver. He has great vision, breakaway speed, and excellent hands in the passing game. Gibbs could be the perfect complement to Tony Pollard and add balance to the Cowboys’ offense. His playmaking ability would allow the Cowboys to have a dynamic running back combination in the backfield.
5. Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Kelee Ringo is a highly athletic cornerback who excels in both man and zone coverage. With Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore providing the foundation for the Cowboys’ secondary, adding a player like Ringo would give the team one of the best cornerback groups in the NFL. Ringo’s ability to shut down top receivers and generate turnovers would make the Cowboys’ defense even more dangerous.
