The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear vision: enhance their roster, particularly at the wide receiver and running back positions. Yet, when their top pick slipped away, it opened the floodgates for a series of draft pitfalls. Let’s dive into the biggest missteps the Cowboys made during this year’s draft.
Despite possessing nine picks, the Cowboys opted to double down on running backs, selecting two without addressing their need for a wide receiver. One of those picks came in the seventh round, signaling a lack of urgency or vision in building their offense. Now, they face the difficult task of either orchestrating trades or scouring a thin free-agent market to bolster their receiving corps.
Mistake No. 1: Overlooking Skill Players
While snagging a solid lineman in Tyler Booker may satisfy some immediate needs along the offensive front, it begs the question: what about the skill positions? The Cowboys passed on several talented skill players who could have made an immediate impact, including:
- Tyler Warren, TE (Colts)
- Emeka Egbuka, WR (Buccaneers)
- Omarion Hampton, RB (Chargers)
- Matthew Golden, WR (Packers)
That’s a lot of talent that will now be contributing elsewhere instead of donning the star on their helmets.
As the draft progressed into Round 2, they picked up edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku, which could prove to be one of their better selections. However, they still let potential game-changers slip by, such as:
- Tre Harris, WR (Chargers)
- Jack Bech, WR (Raiders)
- R.J. Harvey, RB (Broncos)
Owner Jerry Jones has stated that they will look to improve the receiver position as the year unfolds. Reflecting on their decision-making, Jones said, “It definitely was a big-time thought… We don’t have to be through at receiver in any way.” This suggests that while they might have missed the mark in the draft, they are open to exploring options down the line.
Yes, the Cowboys did add a pair of running backs, Jaydon Blue in the fifth round and Phil Mafah in the seventh. However, the upside of those selections remains questionable. Blue caught some attention thanks to his impressive 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the combine. As a Texas product, his speed gives him potential as a situational receiver out of the backfield, even if he lacks extensive experience. Analyst Lance Zierlein noted Blue’s strength in mismatches against linebackers and his capacity as a pass-catching threat, though his running style and vision might limit his effectiveness as a traditional ball-carrier.
Mistake No. 2: Missing Opportunities to Trade Up
The Cowboys could have strategically capitalized on their draft positions to acquire someone like Tetairoa McMillan or Ashton Jeanty. McMillan, who would have been an ideal complement alongside CeeDee Lamb, was snagged by the Panthers at No. 8. Whether the Cowboys made a push to trade for him remains uncertain, but considering the talent he brings, it’s hard to believe they didn’t at least explore the option.
Moreover, considering the depth of the draft and the need for a receiver, the Cowboys should have weighed their chances of moving up to the No. 5 spot. While teams like the Patriots had their eyes set on specific linemen, the Browns might have been open to negotiations. With a strong position in the upcoming drafts, including a wealth of picks next year, they could have sweetened a deal that would allow them to grab a playmaker like Jeanty. Instead, they must now brace for the possibility of Jeanty becoming a star with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Mistake No. 3: Passing on Jaylin Noel
Though the Cowboys drafted cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. with hopes of a comeback from a torn ACL injury, they could be left regretting the choice to let Jaylin Noel slip through their fingers in Round 3. Noel’s explosiveness and ability to stretch the field could have posed serious challenges to defenses overly focused on Lamb.
During the Senior Bowl week, he showcased his talents effectively, running a blistering 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the combine. His ability to track deep balls and accelerate out of breaks makes him a serious threat, not to mention his knack for making contested catches. With his route-running prowess and versatility, he’s exactly the type of dynamic receiver the Cowboys need to keep defenses on their toes.
In summary, while the Cowboys made some solid picks, their failure to bolster the skill positions could come back to haunt them. As they look to the season ahead, the urgency to secure playmakers couldn’t be clearer. How they navigate trades and the free-agent market will determine if this draft becomes a missed opportunity or a stepping stone toward redemption.
