The wait is finally over. The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off tonight in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Unlike previous years, Dallas Cowboys fans won’t have to wait several hours for the team to pick in the first round.
Momentum seems to be building for Dallas to draft a wide receiver at No. 12 overall. Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan and Texas’ Matthew Golden seem to be the favorites, but last-minute reports have hinted an offensive linemen, specifically a guard, is also in play.
Besides WR, running back is the next-most polarizing position. Given the depth of this class, it is a long shot the Cowboys take a running back on night one. Some fans want them to pounce on the best RB available at No. 44, but this group is so rich they can wait until the third round or even day three.
If the latest rumors are true, though, Jerry Jones and Co. are considering a massive reach to bolster their backfield.
Cowboys’ RB plan could get ugly if latest NFL Draft rumors are true
Jane Slater of NFL Network listed some prospects to keep an eye on. Joining McMillan and Golden was Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten. Slater also named Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen and Tennessee EDGE James Pearce as players to watch.
Let’s revisit this list. Some more conversations this morning and a little more clarity after talking to some teams and agents. These are names #Cowboys kicking around. But character issues for Pierce means not a Day 1. Cowboys need an offensive lineman but sounds like they want…
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) April 23, 2025
Tuten would be a solid pick anywhere in the third, fourth or fifth round. Slater, though, said to “keep an eye on moves to find Tuten in the late second.”
The former Hokie is one of many RB gems in this class, but he is not a second-round prospect. That title belongs to TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins and Kaleb Johnson. Then you have Dylan Sampson, Cam Skattebo and Damien Martinez, who should all go in round three. Tuten belongs in the next tier with R.J. Harvey, D.J. Giddens, Devin Neal and Jordan James.
For context, Dane Brugler of The Athletic had Tuten, Harvey, James, Giddens and Neal all come off the board in the fourth round in his seventh-round mock draft. Any of them could go in round three or the top of day three, but Tuten in the second would be a ginormous reach.
With a 4.32 40 time, Tuten is one of the fastest backs in the class and would flourish in a zone scheme. However, he has a tendency to bounce carries to the outside. The home-run threat is enticing, but he isn’t decisive enough between the tackles to warrant a second-round pick.
Trading back into the end of the third round or trading into the fourth for Tuten would be a different story. This team needs an RB1 first and foremost and Tuten does not fit that bill.
