Top Three Missteps by Dallas Cowboys in 2025 NFL Draft
The Dallas Cowboys were crystal clear about their draft targets, yet missed out on their preferred choice, leading to some questionable picks. Here are the Cowboys' three biggest blunders in the 2025 NFL Draft.
With nine picks and the need for improvements at wide receiver and running back, the Cowboys ended up picking two running backs, neither high in the draft, and didn't draft a single wide receiver. This leaves the Cowboys scrambling for a trade partner or desperately searching the depleted free-agent market. Let's delve into their draft follies.
Mistake No. 1: Cowboys overlooked numerous skill players
Although acquiring a good lineman like Tyler Booker is commendable, the Cowboys' decision to pass on a slew of talented skill players is concerning. These players include:
- Tyler Warren, TE, (Colts)
- Emeka Egbuka, WR (Buccaneers)
- Omarion Hampton, RB (Chargers)
- Matthew Golden, WR (Packers)
Passing on such talent means a fumbling of opportunities.
In Round 2, the Cowboys got a decent edge rusher in Donovan Ezeiruaku. While this could be their best pick, they still missed out on some skill players:
- Tre Harris, WR (Chargers)
- Jack Bech, WR (Raiders)
- R.J. Harvey, RB (Broncos)
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner, has promised to address the receiver position as the year progresses[1].
"It was a significant consideration, but the train hasn't left the station if improvement is needed from what we've got on campus," Jones said[2]. "I'm looking at the same sheet that you might have in front of you, and it shows our No. 114 pick trade to Carolina for Jonathan Mingo. Well, we've obviously known that.
"My point is that Stephen [Jones] says it best, it's a year-round deal. However, we don't have to be in a rush for receiver reinforcements in any way. So I'm just giving you the benefit of my thoughts there. But definitely, there's a possibility that we could address this in free agency if the chance arises."
Mistake No. 2: Cowboys failed to trade for Tetairoa McMillan or Ashton Jeanty
Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan seemed like a perfect fit alongside CeeDee Lamb. The limitations in McMillan's game wouldn't have been as critical with a big dog like Lamb on the opposite sideline.
Carolina acquired McMillan at No. 8, and it's unclear whether the Cowboys made an offer. It's plausible that the Panthers might have given their spot to the Cowboys if the deal was sweetened enough.
Another option for Dallas would have been to empty their draft bank vault and move up to the fifth pick. It's hard to imagine them reaching No. 4 because the Patriots desperately needed a lineman and appeared to be determined to pick Will Campbell (they should have selected Armand Membou instead). However, possibly the Cowboys could have persuaded the Browns to make a trade swap.
Cleveland might not have been bound to Mason Graham at No. 5 and might have been open to accepting the Cowboys' No. 1 pick in 2026. The Browns already hold a significant stake in that draft, which is expected to be rich with quarterback talent[1].
Whatever the Cowboys needed to do to acquire Ashton Jeanty, they should have done it. Instead, they will likely watch Jeanty become a star with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Mistake No. 3: Cowboys overlooked Jaylin Noel in Round 3
Shavon Revel Jr., their cornerback pick in Round 3, could bounce back nicely from his torn ACL, which limited him to three games in 2024. But Jaylin Noel, a speedster according to espn.com, could have caused fits for teams overly focused on CeeDee Lamb had they chosen him[3].
"Noel shone during the Senior Bowl week and had an impressive combine workout, with a 4.38 40-yard dash," Steve Muench wrote. "He is a threat to outrun coverages deep and is a danger after the catch. Noel tempos his routes and accelerates out of breaks. He knows how to attack zone looks and has the burst to get to his spots quickly. He makes difficult catches despite his undersized stature."
[1] - https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-headlines-storylines-round-1-2025-nfl-draft[2] - Quote from Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owner[3] - https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2025/story/_/id/34784582/nfl-draft-2025-prospect-jaylin-noel-armed-speed-run-game-impress-senior-bowl-combine[4] - https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-winners-losers-michael-mayer-drake-London-the-top-risers-and-fallers-from-round-1/[5] - https://www.nfl.com/news/2025-nfl-draft-live-updates-round-1-results[6] - https://www.pfbitarod.com/nfl-draft-biggest-wins-and-losses-from-round-1-25277545/en[7] - https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2025-nfl-draft-live-updates-first-round-tracker-team-by-team-picks-trades-info-27368657/[8] - https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10112240-2025-nfl-draft-biggest-losers-dallas-cowboys-missed-opportunities-and-dud-picks[9] - https://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/2025-dallas-cowboys-nfl-draft-recap-grading-every-pick-from-rounds-1-2-3[10] - https://www.abcnfl.com/offseason/story?id=14749740&expid=ABC_Dallas_Cowboys_2025_NFL_Draft[11] - https://www.nj.com/giants/2025/04/giants-offseason-work-not-finished-joe-judon-music-city-miracle-joe-burrow-run-nyg-nyj-reportcard.html
- The Cowboys' decision to pass on skilled players like Tyler Warren, Emeka Egbuka, Omarion Hampton, and Matthew Golden, in the 2025 NFL Draft, could be seen as a significant oversight, potentially leaving them with limitations at wide receiver and running back.
- The failure to trade for Tetairoa McMillan or Ashton Jeanty might have been a mistake, considering McMillan's potential as a fitting complement to CeeDee Lamb and the possible availability of Jeanty in the fifth pick.
- Overlooking Jaylin Noel in Round 3 may have been a missed opportunity, as Noel's speed and agility could have caused problems for opponents focusing on CeeDee Lamb.
- By passing on multiple promising skill players and missing out on trade opportunities, the Cowboys may have stumbled in the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially hindering their performance in the sports of football, particularly in terms of wide receiver reinforcements.
