The Dallas Cowboys roster has plenty of holes going into the 2025 NFL Draft and considering they didn't add many starting-caliber players in free agency, it'll be very important for to nail their top picks at the end of the month.
Getting it right will not only be about choosing the right player but doing so in the right spot. That's why I listed the team's top needs and the range they could address them.
Let's dive in.
1. Wide receiver
Many will consider this a lesser need compared to running back because they'll point to CeeDee Lamb being an NFL star. That's understandable. However, if the Cowboys go into the 2025 NFL season with Jonathan Mingo, Jalen Tolbert, or KaVontae Turpin filling out the starting lineup, the offense will lack a proven WR2.
Dak Prescott's unit needs better weapons and the 12th overall pick should provide a perfect chance to add on with Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) and Matthew Golden (Texas) having a strong chance to make it there. I view those two as the likeliest picks.
2. Running back
It's true the Cowboys can get away with not adding a running back in the first or even second round of the NFL Draft. But let's not sugarcoat it: It's a bad running back room in Dallas. Neither of Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders have averaged over four yards per attempt since 2022. Deuce Vaughn might break through with former Kansas State OL coach Conor Riley arriving in town but there's not much to be excited about with the group.
Fortunately for the Cowboys, this year's is a strong draft class at the position. Still, the best value could be found in Day 2.
3. Defensive tackle (nose)
The Cowboys took care of the three-technique spot by making sure Osa Odighizuwa signed a four-year deal and even added depth through free agency signing Solomon Thomas. But nose tackle remains a problem. Mazi Smith has done little to inspire confidence in his first two years in the NFL and the Cowboys need a Plan B.
This year's draft class is considered deep at DT and the Cowboys could aim for one in Day 2 or 3. Rounds 3-5 could be the sweet spot.
4. Cornerback
Trevon Diggs' status will go a long way in determining how bad things are in the secondary but as of now, the Cowboys are expected to be without him early in the season. Additionally, they have to figure out life after Jourdan Lewis, who signed a long-term deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency.
Watch out for cornerbacks as a strong possibility in the second and third rounds of the NFL Draft.
5. Offensive line
The only reason why this isn't farther up on the list is the Cowboys have a starting group of five they can live with and some competition going on the interior on top of that. But you can never rule out an early draft pick being used to boost the trenches. This front office loves picking first-round offensive linemen. Ahead of this year's Draft, they're hosting first-round prospects Kelvin Banks (Texas) and Armand Membou (Missouri) as part of their Top 30 visits.
Watch out for competition for Brock Hoffman and Terence Steele.
6. Linebacker
Marist Liufau and DeMarvion Overshown make up an exciting duo of starters but the latter isn't expected back on the field until November. The Cowboys signed Jack Sanborn and traded for Kenneth Murray last month, which could be enough depth for Matt Eberflus. But Day 2 could be a good chance to try and boost the linebacker core if they're concerned about the depth chart.
