The Dallas Cowboys' 2024 season is just around the corner, but it's never too early for NFL fans to start speculating about the future. This mock draft focuses on predicting the Dallas Cowboys' potential draft needs and selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, considering potential player development, free agency moves, and likely team priorities. This mock draft will use a projected order based on current standings and expert predictions, recognizing that the actual draft order will fluctuate based on the 2024 season's outcomes. We'll dive deep into the reasoning behind each pick, exploring the Cowboys' potential roster needs and how each selection addresses them.
Potential Roster Needs in 2025
Before diving into the mock draft, let's examine some of the Dallas Cowboys' potential roster holes heading into the 2025 offseason. These needs will heavily influence their draft strategy.
Offensive Line Depth
The Cowboys' offensive line, while generally strong, could use some depth. The age and potential contract situations of some key players could lead to a need for reinforcements in the 2025 draft. This could involve drafting a versatile lineman capable of playing multiple positions along the line.
Wide Receiver Talent
While the Cowboys currently have some talented wide receivers, adding a young, explosive playmaker to the mix would enhance their offensive arsenal. This player could immediately contribute as a slot receiver or stretch the field, creating more offensive options for Dak Prescott.
Defensive Line Rotation
The defensive line is another area where the Cowboys could benefit from adding depth and talent. A pass-rushing specialist or a run-stuffing defensive tackle could significantly improve their front seven's overall performance. The draft offers a chance to find younger, cheaper talent that can help in this area.
2025 Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft
Note: This mock draft uses a projected draft order based on current predictions. The actual order will change based on the 2024 season results.
Round 1, Pick 15: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU (Projected)
Reasoning: Johnston, a highly touted receiver, could be available at pick 15. While the Cowboys already have solid receivers, Johnston's combination of size, speed, and catching ability make him an attractive prospect who could immediately elevate the team's offense. He brings a physicality to the position that is sometimes missing in the Cowboys receiving corps.
Round 2, Pick 48: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse (Projected)
Reasoning: Bergeron is a versatile offensive lineman who could provide depth and potentially compete for a starting role. The Cowboys’ need for depth along the offensive line makes Bergeron a strong choice. His ability to play both tackle and guard would add versatility to the offensive line.
Round 3, Pick 79: Adetomiwa Adebawore, DE, Northwestern (Projected)
Reasoning: Adding a talented defensive end in the later rounds is always a good strategy. Adebawore has the potential to develop into a solid pass rusher, giving the Cowboys' defense another edge rusher who could contribute immediately.
Round 4, Pick 116: Jay Ward, S, LSU (Projected)
Reasoning: Ward is a versatile defensive back that can play both safety and cornerback. With his versatility, Ward offers the Cowboys' defense additional defensive back depth, allowing them to flex players as needed and respond to different offensive schemes.
Round 5, Pick 147: Emil Ekiyor Jr., G, Alabama (Projected)
Reasoning: The offensive line is a priority. Ekiyor provides further depth and another potential starting-caliber lineman.
Round 7, Pick 239: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina (Projected)
Reasoning: Late-round picks are often used to add depth and potential. Rush is a high-upside corner that may not be ready to contribute immediately but could become a valuable member of the team in the future.
Conclusion: Building for the Future
This 2025 Dallas Cowboys mock draft focuses on addressing key needs while also considering the team’s overall roster construction. The selections emphasize adding talented young players at critical positions to ensure long-term success. It’s important to remember that this is purely speculative, and the actual draft will undoubtedly differ depending on player development, team performance, and unforeseen circumstances. The Cowboys' front office will undoubtedly have different priorities and might opt for different players based on their own evaluations. However, this mock draft provides a glimpse into some of the potential avenues the Cowboys could explore in their quest to build a championship-caliber team.
