Dallas relies heavily on CeeDee Lamb as the team's primary offensive weapon, particularly after the 2025 NFL Draft concluded without the Cowboys adding a wide receiver through their selections. This approach prioritizes other roster areas, leaving questions about receiver depth behind their top target.
CeeDee Lamb joined the Cowboys in 2020, unexpectedly falling to the No. 17 pick in the draft. The team did not have an obvious need at the position at the time but opted for the available talent. This move proved advantageous, aligning with a strategy of selecting the best available player over strictly drafting for immediate need, a tactic seen again in the 2025 draft.
Since being drafted, Lamb has developed into a Pro Bowl caliber player, earning the honor four consecutive times and surpassing 1,100 receiving yards each season. His production led to a new four-year, $136 million extension, securing his presence with the team for the foreseeable future and marking him as a player considered among the top draft steals of the last decade.
The decision not to draft a wide receiver this year means the Cowboys will depend on existing players like Jalen Tolbert and Jonathan Mingo to fill the role opposite Lamb. The current roster lacks a proven second option at the position, creating a potential bottleneck in the passing game.
Early projections for the upcoming season anticipate Lamb maintaining his status as a top performer. An early ESPN fantasy football mock draft for 2025 positioned him as the seventh player taken overall and the third wide receiver off the board, reflecting expectations for his continued high target volume.
Lamb's 2024 season was cut short due to a shoulder injury. Despite missing time, he recorded significant receiving yardage and receptions. The heavy reliance placed upon him in previous seasons highlights the potential physical toll without another receiver capable of consistently attracting targets.
Free agency presents limited options for veteran wide receivers who could immediately step into a prominent role. The available pool consists mainly of players whose most productive years may be behind them.
The team's focus in the 2025 draft centered on reinforcing the offensive and defensive lines. Their first selection was a guard, followed by a defensive end. This continued their philosophy of addressing value on the draft board, even if it meant passing on positions like wide receiver, where depth is a concern.
