The Dallas Cowboys have a lot of needs to fill still heading into the 2025 NFL draft, where they will kickstart the event with the 12th overall pick. There are multiple directions they can go, but the most likely scenario, at least according to ESPN’s Matt Miller, is to focus on offense early.
In an ESPN article focusing on the latest NFL draft buzz, three insiders did mini-mocks for teams outside the top 10. Miller did one for the Dallas Cowboys, highlighting what he felt would make for a perfect draft for the team. Miller’s picks are as follows:
12. Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
44. Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
76. Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
149. Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame
171. Elijah Roberts, DE, SMU
174. Jordan Hancock, CB, Ohio State
204. Jalen Travis, G, Iowa State
211. Maxen Hook, S, Toledo
239. Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota
247. Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
“The Cowboys’ draft plan should revolve around building up the offense and adding more playmakers for quarterback Dak Prescott. They would do just that in this mock, with the explosive Golden at wide receiver and a speedy back in Sampson. Defense isn’t ignored, though, as Williams is the ideal 1-technique next to Osa Odighizuwa. We further build depth on the defensive line and in the secondary while getting a developmental backup quarterback option in Leonard.”
Matthew Golden and Dylan Sampson are the standout picks, as Golden goes 12th overall and is a huge riser from the start of the draft process at wide receiver, and Sampson is among one of the many talented backs in what is a deep running back class.
The team also sprinkles in some defense, starting with defensive tackle Tyleik Williams at 44 overall, but three of the first four picks are on offense, and six out of 10 total are on offense.
Another intriguing pick from the mock is their last one, with the team taking quarterback Riley Leonard out of Notre Dame 247th overall.
The team recently traded for former New England Patriots backup quarterback Joe Milton, so it will be interesting to see if the team still decides to draft a quarterback to provide some competition for the backup role.
More news: Giants, Browns Trade Up for Quarterbacks in Latest NFL Mock Draft
Overall, the mock spreads out the positions the team addresses well, with 10 different positions addressed in throughout the seven rounds.
While this mini-mock doesn’t include trades, the Cowboys are also a team who have potential to make a big trade up at some point in the draft, given they have 10 picks, more than most other teams in the draft.