Mel Kiper Jr.’s prediction for the Cowboys gives Dak a new weapon.
Mel Kiper Jr.’s Prediction for the Cowboys: Giving Dak Prescott a New Weapon
As the NFL draft draws near, one name that is always closely followed by fans, analysts, and general managers alike is Mel Kiper Jr. The ESPN draft expert has become synonymous with NFL draft predictions, known for his detailed analysis, insights, and predictions regarding the incoming class of prospects. As the NFL prepares for another season, the spotlight has shifted toward the Dallas Cowboys, a team that has the talent to contend but has yet to fully capitalize on its potential in recent seasons.
At the heart of the Cowboys’ hopes for the future is Dak Prescott, their franchise quarterback. Prescott has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, but inconsistent performances and a lack of playmaking weapons around him have often led to underwhelming results in big games. To make a deeper playoff run and possibly contend for a Super Bowl, the Cowboys know that upgrading the talent around Prescott is essential. According to Mel Kiper Jr.’s recent prediction, the Cowboys’ path to returning to the league’s elite will involve adding a dynamic new weapon for Dak Prescott — a move that could change the trajectory of the team for years to come.
This article will take a closer look at Mel Kiper Jr.’s prediction for the Cowboys in the upcoming NFL draft, the potential player that could be added to bolster the Cowboys’ offense, and how this acquisition would impact Dak Prescott’s development, the team’s overall performance, and the franchise’s Super Bowl aspirations. Additionally, we’ll analyze the state of the Cowboys’ roster, the current needs of the team, and why giving Prescott a new weapon could be the key to success.
Dak Prescott’s Career So Far: Promise and Struggles
Dak Prescott’s journey as the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys has been filled with both highs and lows. Coming into the NFL in 2016, Prescott was lauded for his poise, leadership, and ability to produce in clutch situations. In his rookie year, Prescott made an immediate impact, leading the Cowboys to a 13-3 record and winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. His calm demeanor in the pocket, accuracy on throws, and ability to lead his team to victory were all key attributes that made Prescott one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the NFL.
However, as Prescott has developed over the years, there have been both successes and setbacks. Injuries have been a major factor in his career, most notably the devastating ankle injury that cut his 2020 season short. Prescott’s return from that injury was met with mixed results — although he continued to show flashes of brilliance, inconsistency in performance, particularly in big games, has been a persistent issue. One key factor that has contributed to his inconsistency is the lack of elite playmakers around him on offense.
While Prescott has solid weapons at his disposal — including the explosive wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, veteran tight end Dalton Schultz, and running back Tony Pollard — the Cowboys’ offense has often seemed lacking in terms of balance and versatility. With Prescott relying on these weapons and the Cowboys’ offensive line struggling at times to provide adequate protection, the team has found it difficult to consistently keep pace with other top NFC contenders.
For the Cowboys to elevate their offense to the next level, it is clear that Prescott needs more weapons at his disposal. This is where Mel Kiper Jr.’s prediction for the Cowboys comes into play.
Mel Kiper Jr.’s NFL Draft Prediction: A New Weapon for Dak Prescott
In his most recent mock draft, Mel Kiper Jr. projects the Dallas Cowboys to select Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the standout wide receiver from Ohio State, in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Kiper has consistently touted Smith-Njigba as one of the most talented and polished receivers in the upcoming draft class, and his prediction that the Cowboys will select him as their first-round pick makes a lot of sense for a number of reasons.
Smith-Njigba has established himself as a dynamic, high-level receiver during his time at Ohio State. His combination of speed, route-running precision, and ability to make plays in all areas of the field has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s best. After an incredible 2022 season, where he caught 95 passes for over 1,600 yards and nine touchdowns, Smith-Njigba continued to impress scouts with his size (6 feet, 200 pounds), agility, and technical ability. His ability to separate from defenders and create yards after the catch makes him a dangerous weapon in any offense.
What makes Smith-Njigba an ideal fit for the Cowboys is his ability to complement the team’s existing offensive structure. While CeeDee Lamb is a proven No. 1 wide receiver, the Cowboys need a secondary threat who can create mismatches and stretch the field in both the short and long passing game. Adding Smith-Njigba to the roster would give Dak Prescott a reliable, versatile option who can line up both in the slot and on the outside. His ability to read defenses, run precise routes, and create separation would allow Prescott to have more options at his disposal, making it harder for opposing defenses to lock down the Cowboys’ passing attack.
In addition to his skills as a receiver, Smith-Njigba is also a player with the physical attributes and mentality to thrive in the NFL. His football IQ, competitive spirit, and work ethic make him an easy player to build an offense around. Pairing Smith-Njigba with CeeDee Lamb, who is one of the best young receivers in the league, would give Dak Prescott an elite duo to work with, potentially elevating the Cowboys’ offense to new heights.
How Smith-Njigba Would Impact Dak Prescott and the Cowboys
The addition of Jaxon Smith-Njigba would have an immediate and profound impact on Dak Prescott’s development as a quarterback and the overall success of the Cowboys’ offense. Let’s break down the key areas in which this acquisition could make a difference.
- Providing Dak Prescott with a Reliable Target:
One of the biggest challenges for Prescott in recent years has been the lack of a reliable second option in the passing game. While CeeDee Lamb is undoubtedly a star, defenses often double-team him or focus their efforts on stopping the Cowboys’ top receiver. This leaves Prescott with fewer options and increases the pressure on him to make difficult throws under duress. Adding a polished and dynamic receiver like Smith-Njigba would give Prescott another reliable target to throw to, alleviating some of the pressure placed on Lamb and allowing the offense to become more diverse and difficult to defend. - Improving the Cowboys’ Red Zone Offense:
The Cowboys’ red zone offense has been inconsistent at times, and adding a player with Smith-Njigba’s skill set could be a game-changer in this area. Smith-Njigba has the ability to make contested catches and use his physicality and quickness to create space in tight areas. This would be a huge asset in the red zone, where space is limited, and where Prescott has sometimes struggled to find open receivers. Smith-Njigba’s ability to operate both in the middle of the field and on the outside would give the Cowboys a much-needed threat near the goal line. - Enhancing the Vertical Passing Game:
Another area where the Cowboys’ offense could improve is in their ability to stretch the field. While Lamb is certainly capable of making plays down the field, the Cowboys have lacked a true deep threat who can consistently stretch defenses and create big-play opportunities. Smith-Njigba’s speed and ability to run deep routes would add an entirely new dimension to the Cowboys’ passing attack, opening up opportunities for Prescott to take more shots downfield. - Creating Mismatches and Flexibility:
Smith-Njigba’s versatility is another key factor in his fit with the Cowboys. He can line up inside in the slot or outside on the perimeter, giving offensive coordinator Kellen Moore the flexibility to create mismatches based on defensive alignments. This ability to move him around the formation would force opposing defenses to adjust and open up additional opportunities for the Cowboys’ offense. With Smith-Njigba and Lamb, Prescott would have two playmakers who can dominate at all levels of the field. - Dak Prescott’s Confidence:
Perhaps the most intangible benefit of adding a dynamic weapon like Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the boost it would give to Dak Prescott’s confidence. Prescott is at his best when he feels comfortable in the pocket and has reliable options to throw to. Adding Smith-Njigba would not only provide Prescott with another trusted weapon but also send a message that the Cowboys are committed to surrounding their quarterback with the talent necessary to succeed. With more weapons at his disposal, Prescott would have the confidence to make quicker decisions and take more calculated risks, ultimately leading to improved play.
Other Needs for the Dallas Cowboys
While adding a top-tier receiver like Jaxon Smith-Njigba would undoubtedly improve the Cowboys’ offense, there are other areas that the team must address in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Cowboys could still benefit from strengthening their offensive line, adding depth to the defensive front, and potentially adding another dynamic playmaker in the backfield. However, the importance of surrounding Dak Prescott with more playmaking talent cannot be overstated, and Smith-Njigba is a prime candidate to help take the Cowboys’ offense to the next level.
