The Dallas Cowboys began the 2025 NFL Draft with picks that surprised many observers, selecting offensive line and defensive prospects rather than addressing perceived immediate needs at running back and wide receiver. The strategy focused on taking the best player available on their board through the initial rounds.
In the first round, at pick 12, Dallas chose IOL Tyler Booker from Alabama. Booker brings leadership and a physical style to the interior line. His selection came despite questions about his athletic testing numbers at the combine. Analysis from USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis highlighted his intangibles as a key factor in the decision.
The second round saw Dallas add to the pass rush, selecting OLB/DE Donovan Ezeiruaku out of Boston College with pick 44. Ezeiruaku was a highly productive player in college, leading his conference in sacks and tackles for loss. Analysis from USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis noted his production but mentioned size as a potential limitation.
The third round brought a selection in the secondary with CB Shavon Revel Jr. from East Carolina at pick 76. Revel Jr. comes with injury concerns after tearing an ACL, but his play before the injury showed high potential. He could provide depth in nickel packages as he recovers.
Despite the early picks strengthening other positions, the team entered the draft with significant needs at wide receiver and running back. Dallas ranked low in rushing touchdowns in 2024, and the receiver depth chart behind All-Pro CeeDee Lamb is notably thin after free agency departures.
This adherence to a best player available approach left many prominent offensive skill players on the board when the Cowboys picked. The selection of a guard and edge rusher before addressing the running back position surprised many who anticipated a top prospect being targeted early given the team's stated needs.
While players like Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton were discussed as potential first-round targets for the position, and TreVeyon Henderson a possibility in the second, the Cowboys passed on them. The decision to focus on other areas meant running backs like R.J. Harvey remained available as the draft continued into later rounds.
The Cowboys did sign veteran running backs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency, but these were viewed more as short-term solutions rather than long-term foundational pieces for the backfield. This highlights the team's reliance on the draft to fill holes after a relatively quiet free agency period, a strategy noted as reluctant to spend in free agency.
The path the team took through the initial rounds underscores the front office's belief in their draft board and willingness to wait to find value at positions of need. Plenty of wide receivers and running backs are still available entering the third day of selections.
How the Cowboys address their remaining needs with their later picks, including multiple compensatory selections, will determine if this strategy successfully builds a more complete roster. The Dallas Cowboys hold ten picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, providing several more opportunities to add talent.
