In the first two rounds of the draft, the Cowboys must address these two positions.

As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, they find themselves at a crossroads where strategic moves could propel them back into Super Bowl contention. While the Cowboys are a strong team with a top-tier defense, the offensive side of the ball requires attention to make a true championship run. In recent seasons, the Cowboys have boasted a potent offense, led by Dak Prescott, but there are still areas for improvement. As always, the team is looking to fill gaps and improve its overall depth.

In the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys must focus on two key areas: offensive line and wide receiver. These positions are critical to the team’s success in both the short-term and long-term future.

The offensive line has been one of the cornerstones of the Cowboys’ success for many years, but aging players, injuries, and inconsistencies have begun to erode the line’s dominance. Meanwhile, wide receiver is another position where the Cowboys need to focus on adding a young playmaker to complement CeeDee Lamb and elevate the receiving corps.

Let’s take a closer look at both of these positions and why the Cowboys must address them early in the draft.

1. Offensive Line: The Need for Reinforcements

One of the cornerstones of the Cowboys’ offense for the past decade has been their offensive line. The combination of players like Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, Travis Frederick, and La’el Collins made the Cowboys’ line one of the best in the NFL. The success of the Cowboys’ offense often started with the big men upfront, who created lanes for running backs and gave Dak Prescott ample time to throw. However, the landscape of the offensive line has shifted significantly in recent years.

Aging Veterans and Injury Concerns

As of 2025, the Cowboys’ offensive line is showing signs of aging. Tyron Smith, a stalwart at left tackle, has been in the league since 2011 and has been plagued by injuries in recent years. While he remains one of the most talented and accomplished players at his position, there is no guarantee that he will stay healthy for the long term. His age and injury history make him a potential liability going forward, and the Cowboys need to think about the future at left tackle.

Meanwhile, Zack Martin, although still playing at an elite level, is also in the twilight of his career. At 33 years old, Martin has been one of the best interior linemen in the NFL, but he can’t be expected to carry the line for much longer. The Cowboys must begin to groom a successor for him, particularly with an eye on the future.

The right tackle position, once held down by La’el Collins, has also seen inconsistency in recent years, with Terence Steele taking over the role. While Steele has potential, the position still lacks the consistency and elite-level play the Cowboys have enjoyed in the past.

Given these concerns, it is clear that the offensive line is a position that needs to be addressed early in the draft. Finding a future left tackle and additional depth at guard and center will be vital for ensuring that Prescott stays upright and that the Cowboys’ running game remains dominant. A revitalized offensive line would also take pressure off Tony Pollard and allow the Cowboys to establish a more balanced attack.

The Solution: A Top Offensive Line Prospect

The Cowboys’ first-round pick (currently projected to be in the late teens) should be used to select an elite offensive tackle. The draft is expected to have several highly talented tackles available, and the Cowboys can take advantage of this by selecting a player who can step in and make an immediate impact.

A name that stands out is Connor MacDonald from Michigan, who is widely regarded as one of the top tackles available in the 2025 draft. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 320 pounds, MacDonald has the size and athleticism to dominate at the NFL level. He is known for his exceptional pass-blocking skills, having protected J.J. McCarthy‘s blind side for several seasons. MacDonald’s strong technique and ability to move defenders off the ball in the run game would make him a perfect fit for the Cowboys, who need to upgrade at left tackle while planning for the future.

In addition to MacDonald, other highly rated offensive line prospects include Mason Leonard (OT, Alabama) and Austin Johnson (OG, Georgia), who would be solid options if the Cowboys choose to go in a different direction. Whichever offensive lineman the Cowboys select, the goal should be to provide immediate competition and eventually secure the long-term future of the offensive line.

How This Picks Benefits the Cowboys

By selecting a top offensive tackle in the first round, the Cowboys solidify their future up front. It allows them to either start the rookie immediately or give him time to develop behind Smith and Martin, learning from some of the best in the business. This depth ensures that if injuries continue to plague the offensive line, the team can remain strong and effective. With a young, talented offensive line, Prescott will be able to execute at a high level and stay protected, which is essential for the Cowboys’ offensive success.

Additionally, a well-built line can create running lanes for Tony Pollard, helping him reach his full potential as a dynamic playmaker. A strong offensive line helps create balance in the offense, making it more difficult for defenses to focus solely on the pass or the run. The Cowboys need that balance if they want to compete with the top teams in the NFC and make a run for the Super Bowl.

2. Wide Receiver: Complementing CeeDee Lamb

While CeeDee Lamb has emerged as the Cowboys’ number-one receiver and one of the top playmakers in the league, the team has lacked a reliable number two option who can take some of the pressure off him. Michael Gallup, once seen as a reliable target opposite Lamb, has struggled with consistency and injuries over the past few seasons. The Cowboys need to find another playmaker who can stretch the field, create separation, and make big plays in key moments.

In today’s NFL, having a strong receiving corps is critical to a team’s success. The Cowboys’ passing attack, while potent at times, has sometimes struggled due to a lack of depth. When Lamb is double-teamed or has an off game, the Cowboys often lack a consistent threat to move the ball through the air. A dynamic wide receiver could be the missing piece to take the offense to the next level and give Prescott more weapons to work with.

The Solution: A Playmaking Wide Receiver

In the second round, the Cowboys should focus on selecting a wide receiver who has the ability to complement Lamb’s skill set and add a new dynamic to the passing game. With Johnston Davis from Ohio State and Jalen Robinson from Florida State both projected to be available, the Cowboys have the opportunity to grab a receiver with incredible upside.

Johnston Davis, standing at 6’2” and 205 pounds, has been one of the most impressive wide receivers in the draft. Known for his ability to stretch the field and make contested catches, Davis has the speed and hands to make an immediate impact on the Cowboys’ offense. His ability to go up and make contested catches in the red zone could provide Prescott with another option in critical situations.

Jalen Robinson, at 6’0” and 190 pounds, is another intriguing option for the Cowboys. His ability to run clean routes and create separation is ideal for a Cowboys offense looking to create mismatches in the passing game. Robinson’s quickness and agility would make him a dangerous weapon for Dak Prescott to utilize in both short-yardage and long-distance situations.

How This Pick Benefits the Cowboys

By adding a second playmaking wide receiver, the Cowboys take a huge step forward in giving Dak Prescott more weapons to work with. With CeeDee Lamb attracting the attention of the defense, a second receiver who can consistently win his matchups will allow the Cowboys to be much more explosive in the passing game. This will also prevent opposing defenses from keying in solely on Lamb, allowing the Cowboys to spread the field and make them more unpredictable.

Furthermore, a dynamic wide receiver can help the Cowboys in the red zone, an area where they have struggled at times. A big-bodied, athletic receiver who can win contested catches will be invaluable when the Cowboys are close to the goal line.