<\/p>\n
The 2025 NFL Draft looms large for the\u00a0Dallas Cowboys, who are looking to rebound after a disappointing 2024 campaign and will look to bolster its roster that has shown cracks in key areas. With\u00a0holes on both sides of the ball\u00a0and a payroll of $294 million, this draft presents an opportunity for Dallas to reset, retool, and reinforce its core.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a breakdown of the Cowboys\u2019 biggest needs entering the 2025 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n
Following Tony Pollard\u2019s departure after the 2023 season, Dallas failed to establish a consistent rushing attack in 2024, finishing near the bottom of the league (27th<\/sup>) in yards game (100.3). Dallas lost last season\u2019s leading rusher, Rico Dowdle, who is now in Carolina and eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark a starter for the Cowboys.<\/p>\n Dallas signed veteran backs Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams each to one-year deals to shore up its depth in the backfield. While the team could be taking a committee approach this season, the Cowboys need adynamic, every-down back who can take pressure off Dak Prescott\u00a0and help control tempo. Boise State\u2019s Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina\u2019s Omarion Hampton are names to watch if Dallas looks to invest early. However, should Dallas elect for a later choice, this draft features a deep pool of backs including Iowa\u2019s Kaleb Johnson, Ohio States TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, and\u00a0Arizona State\u2019s Cameron Skattebo.<\/p>\n Tyler Smith is widely regarded as one of the\u00a0best players at his position\u00a0and adds versatility to the front. Meanwhile, Cooper Beebe successfully transitioned to the center position during his rookie season. However, the Cowboys could benefit from adding another foundational piece to its offensive line,\u00a0especially at tackle. Expect the Cowboys to be in play for an athletic lineman with positional flexibility, potentially even in the first round of the draft, with\u00a0prospects like Will Campbell, Armand Membou, and Josh Simmons available. Not to be forgotten, with the retirement of Zack Martin, the right guard spot is now open for competition.<\/p>\n The interior of the defensive line was vulnerable under and after Dan Quinn\u2019s impressive three-year run as defensive coordinator, particularly against the run where the Cowboys ranked 29th last year under Quinn\u2019s replacement, Mike Zimmer. Inconsistent play up front contributed to the defense’s surprising struggles, and drafting a stout, gap-eating tackle would give players like Micah Parsons and Dante Fowler, Jr. more freedom off the edges. Dallas made the right move to resign DT Osa Odighizuwa earlier this year and hopes first-year DC Matt Eberflus can get the most out of 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith. The team also signed veteran Solomon Thomas. Still, it\u2019s hard to imagine the\u00a0front office doesn\u2019t target more power and leverage in the mid-rounds.<\/p>\n Last year\u2019s leading tackler, Eric Kendricks, remains a free agent; however, Marist Liufau slowly progressed as his rookie season went on and figures to be in line for a starting role in 2025. Standout LB DeMarvion Overshown was enjoying a nice 2024 season until a gruesome knee tear last December, the second of his career, forced him to miss the remainder of the year, and he likely will miss time going into the Fall. The group\u00a0needs an injection of continued added youth and athleticism, especially someone who can thrive in Matt Eberflus\u2019 scheme, which emphasizes getting pressure and excelling in early down coverage. Versatile hybrids who can cover tight ends and backs in space should also be prioritized.<\/p>\n Jourdan Lewis left in free agency to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars, All-Pro Trevon Diggs has battled injuries each of the past two seasons, and All-Pro DaRon Bland missed the first 10 games of last year with a stress fracture. Thus,\u00a0Dallas needs to solidify its cornerback depth. Adding a developmental outside corner or slot specialist could ensure long-term stability and flexibility.<\/p>\n CeeDee Lamb is an elite WR1, but the offense has missed a reliable second option. Brandin Cooks found a rhythm in 2023, scoring eight touchdowns, but missed seven games in 2024 and left in free agency to return to the New Orleans Saints. Without a clear No. 2 option on the roster, expect the Cowboys to seek a receiver who can stretch the field or work the middle; depending on how the board falls, Dallas could snag Tetairoa McMillan, come away with Matthew Golden, Luther Burden III, or go with\u00a0Emeka Egbuka. This deep receiver class could also yield great value on Day 2.<\/p>\n The Cowboys, when healthy, still have a competitive core in place, but the draft will be pivotal in determining how well they can contend in 2025 and beyond. With nine total picks and no shortage of needs, Dallas must find instant contributors, especially at premium positions like tackle and corner. The right class could help them close the gap in the NFC and field a more competitive team in a division that now features two powerhouse teams.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" usatoday.com wants to ensure the best experience for all of our readers, so we built our site to take advantage of the latest technology, making it faster and easier to use.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":21316,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21315","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dallas-cowboys"],"yoast_head":"\n![](\"https:\/\/cowboyswire.usatoday.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2025\/03\/26\/SCOW\/82667196007-usatsi-24516951.jpg?crop=3946,2220,x0,y0&width=660&height=372&format=pjpg&auto=webp\")
<\/p>\nOffensive Line: Fortifying the Trenches<\/h2>\n
Defensive Tackle: More Power & Leverage<\/h2>\n
Linebacker: Speed and Depth Needed<\/h2>\n
Cornerback: Depth Behind the Stars<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cowboyswire.usatoday.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2025\/03\/27\/SCOW\/82681669007-usatsi-24346432.jpg?crop=3563,2004,x0,y0&width=660&height=372&format=pjpg&auto=webp\")
<\/p>\nWide Receiver: Speed & Separation<\/h2>\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n