It’s finally draft week! The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday, April 24 and so far, barring a trade, the Dallas Cowboys hold the 12th overall pick on Day 1 of the big event. What they ended up doing with that selection is anyone’s guess as of right now, and the same goes with their other nine selections in rounds 2-7.
Today, we’re going to attempt to predict which player they select with their 10 draft picks this year. We based our selections on prospects they have shown an interest in throughout the draft process as well as their current roster “needs”.
1.12 – WR Matthew Golden, Texas
Golden was a 30 pre-draft visitor for the Cowboys and someone who would immediately step in and upgrade the WR2 position behind CeeDee Lamb. With his route running ability, inside/out versatility, and speed (4.29) he’d also give Dak Prescott another reliable target in the passing game.
2.44 – RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
As a 30 pre-draft visitor, Judkins is someone the Cowboys have shown an interest in. At 5’11”, 211-pounds with 4.48 speed, the former Buckeyes RB is a hard-nosed, violent runner with good quickness and vision who could step in and challenge to be Dallas’ new RB1 as a rookie.
3.76 – DT Shemar Turner, Texas A&M
Turner is another 30 pre-draft visitor for the Cowboys. He is a high intensity, disruptive DT who played all across the DL at Texas A&M and can play the 1- or 3-technique in Matt Eberflus’ scheme. If he can reign in/control his emotions and become more disciplined, he has the talent to be a difference-maker.
5.149 – CB Zy Alexander, LSU
The Cowboys had a formal meeting with Zy Alexander at the NFL combine. He would provide much-needed depth at CB and has the talent to see the field early as a rookie. Despite having only average speed, he possesses good athleticism, ball skills, length, and is above average in run support.
5.174 – OT/G Caleb Rogers, Texas Tech
Caleb Rogers was another 30 pre-draft visitor for the Cowboys. He was primarily a right tackle during his time at Texas Tech, but his long-term future at the next level will probably be kicking inside to guard. With more technical refinement he could develop into a starting caliber RG in the not-too-distant future.
6.204 – LB Cody Simon, Ohio State
The Cowboys coaching staff was on hand at Ohio State’s Pro Day, so they probably got a good look at Cody Simon. At 6’1″, 232-pounds, the former buckeyes LB has the size and sideline-to-sideline range Eberflus likes at the position. He’d be a depth LB and core special-teams player early on in Dallas.
6.211 – EDGE Jah Joyner, Minnesota
Joyner is an intriguing developmental pass rusher who could provide much-needed depth at defensive end for the Cowboys. With 34″ arms and at 6’4″, 262-pounds, he possesses the prototypical physical attributes of a starting caliber DE in the NFL. He can be a situational pass rusher early on while he continues to fine-tune his craft.
7.217 – CB/S Jordan Hancock, Ohio State
Jordan Hancock is an intriguing, versatile defensive back who could provide much-needed depth to the Cowboys secondary. He was primarily the nickel CB during his time at Ohio State, but also played free safety as well. That kind position flex could be invaluable for Dallas’ secondary.
7.239 – DT Elijah Simmons, Tennessee
Elijah Simmons was part of a heavy rotation along the DL during his time at Tennessee. He showed flashes of being a disruptive player, but lacked consistency. At 6’1″, 334-pounds, he has natural girth to become a stout run defender with upside as a pass rusher if he can continue develop his skill set.
7.247 – WR Isaiah Neyor, Nebraska
At 6’4″, 218-pounds and with 4.40 speed, Isaiah Neyor is an intriguing developmental WR prospect who was a “Dallas Day” participant for the Cowboys. He’s arguably the most physically gifted WR in the draft class and his physical attributes are worth the Cowboys gambling on at this point in the draft.
Brian Martin
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