One of the most anticipated events of the offseason is just around the corner, which means it’s an opportunity for the Dallas Cowboys to walk their path to improvement. Despite being more aggressive in free agency this offseason, the organization still has holes to fill, leading to the 2025 NFL draft.

The Cowboys have four major needs and just three premium picks to help find solutions. Those positions are cornerback, defensive tackle, running back and wide receiver. So, what would be the ideal draft strategy to for the Cowboys to fix all four places?

It starts with trading back in the first round, something Jerry Jones has never shield away from. ‘Trader Jerry’ won’t hesitate to pull the trigger if the right deal comes along. The team has traded in the first round five times in the last 15 drafts, including last season when they traded down and selected offensive lineman Tyler Guyton. Dallas also had opportunities in the previous two drafts (2022 & 2023) to trade back and acquire more picks, but declined to do so.

In this draft, the best plan for the Cowboys would be to trade back once again. Having at least four picks in the first three rounds would be most beneficial for the Cowboys in the 2025 draft.

To accomplish this goal, the Cowboys need a few things to break their way. First, they’ll need a willing trade partner targeting a prospect. Thanks to a crappy 2024 season, Dallas has the No. 12 pick, which helps in a draft where many draft experts believe there are 15 or less blue-chip players. It’s also a draft scarce on top-end quarterbacks, so if one does start to fall, the Cowboys might be able to take advantage.

Next, it would be preferable for the Cowboys to find a team that has multiple second or third-round picks to move around with. This isn’t a necessity, but it’s an ideal situation for both teams involved. The Cowboys aren’t going to move too far down in this draft if they aren’t getting strong compensation back. Teams that fit the bill who have multiple second-round picks are the Seattle Seahawks (50, 52), and the Buffalo Bills (56, 62).

Each would be able to package with their first rounder and still have a pick in each round.

Those picking behind Dallas who have multiple third-round selections include the Kansas City Chiefs (66, 95), the Cleveland Browns (67, 94), the New England Patriots (69, 77), Jacksonville Jaguars (70, 88), the New Orleans Saints (71, 93), and the Seahawks again (82, 92).

From that group, the Cowboys need to find a team willing to come up to the 12th pick and send a few premium picks back. Jones probably doesn’t want to go too far back in a top heavy draft, but if the team can gain an extra second or third round pick without moving down more than 10 spots in first-round, that would be the best-case scenario.

The Seahawks look like the best fit. With five picks in the top 92, and selecting at 18th overall, they can afford to move up to 12 and send one of their second picks back to Dallas. Giving up pick 12 for 18 and 52 would be a good fit for the Cowboys, assuming the Seahawks were willing to trade.

A team that doesn’t have multiple picks in the second or third rounds who might fit as well is the Denver Broncos. Head coach Sean Payton is known for being aggressive and the Broncos sit at 20th overall, along with the 51st selection in round two. Utilizing a trade chart, the points would almost matchup for a swap with the two teams.

The Los Angeles Chargers with picks 22 and 55 might be the last option for a trade with the Cowboys. That’s moving down 10 spots in the first round, and the points in that trade favor the Chargers, but it’s close enough to make it work.

If the Cowboys take the opportunity to move back in the first round, and pick up an extra Day 2 pick, they could address their major needs. A draft that includes one of the top CBs, DTs, WRs or RB options in the first two days would be ideal for Dallas.

Conceivably coming away with the type of players like WR Matthew Golden, RB TreVeyon Henderson, CB Trey Amos and DT Alfred Collins would be an incredible start for the Cowboys.

These aren’t the only positions that can be selected, but these are the four biggest needs. If the team can also add to a strength by drafting the best player available at another position, that works as well.

The draft is a time where the Cowboys’ front office feels they can find options to get better from the previous season. And even though the fan base gives them a ton of grief for the strategy, few teams are better at drafting, especially in the first round, than the Cowboys.

If the Cowboys are going to build through the draft, trading back this year makes sense. It’s draft light at the top with premium players, and deep in the middle few rounds. Luckily, many of the positions that are stacked with talent match some of the Cowboys’ needs.

Without trading back, the organization can’t fill their obvious holes. No team can fix it all in one draft, but for a team like the Cowboys, who rely heavily on the draft, this strategy can go a long way to finding the solutions.