Dallas Cowboys (Last Year: 7-10)
Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: The Cowboys need offensive weapons. Their running back situation is awful, and they have nothing at receiver beyond CeeDee Lamb. They also must bolster their offensive line, which has gotten much weaker in recent years. Dallas has some defensive issues as well, but it must really focus on strengthening the talent around Dak Prescott.
2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Jerry Jones apparently didn’t get the memo that his team was devoid of play-making talent outside of CeeDee Lamb. He failed to secure a skill player until the fifth round, and he didn’t draft a single receiver. He even had the top tight end in the draft fall to him at No. 12, but opted for a guard who was expected to be chosen in the 20s.
While Tyler Booker provided no value with the 12th pick, the Cowboys were able to land some terrific bargains on Day 2 to fill some needs on defense. Also, Jaydon Blue, chosen in the fifth round, could emerge as the starting running back, thanks to his game-breaking speed.
There’s no doubt that the Cowboys came away with some talented prospects. However, their inability to address their top needs – namely failing to draft a single receiver – has to downgrade their overall grade.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
12. Tyler Booker, G, Alabama – MILLEN Grade
And we have our first Millen grade of the draft. The Cowboys had Tyler Warren and Jalon Walker fall into their laps. Matthew Golden was also there. Instead, the Cowboys drafted a guard expected to be drafted in the 20s. Booker is a high-character player, but he was one of the worst-testing players at the combine. His agility was very low, so I don’t know how he’ll be able to pass protect in the NFL.
44. Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE/OLB, Boston College – A+ Grade
I chided the Cowboys for passing on Jalon Walker when he fell to them at No. 12. They made up for it with this pick. Donovan Ezeiruaku easily could have been chosen in the late teens or early 20s without any complaints. He’s a huge steal, and he’ll complement Micah Parsons extremely well as Dallas tries to chase down Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels.
76. Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina – A+ Grade
What a steal! The Cowboys have more than made up for their first-round gaffe. Shavon Revel was getting some first-round buzz, so there’s no reason he should have fallen to the third round. There’s an injury, but not a major one. What a steal for Dallas.
149. Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas – A Grade
The Cowboys finally draft a running back. Jaydon Blue is a speedy threat who could have gone a bit earlier than this. Given the lack of talent at the position, Blue could easily emerge as a starter rather quickly.
152. Shemar James, LB, Florida – B+ Grade
I imagine that this pick is mostly for special teams, but there’s a chance Shemar James can contribute on passing downs. He’s incredibly agile and has some upside, but the issue is that he’s very undersized. I like this selection though, as James will have a role on the team.
204. Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon – B Grade
While some would say that Ajani is a tough cat, Ajani Cornelius’ pass protection is ahead of his run blocking. Then again, the Cowboys can’t run the ball anyway. Cornelius definitely has some developmental potential.
217. Jay Toia, NT, UCLA – B+ Grade
Jay Toia was projected to go around this range. He’s a heavy, run-stuffing nose tackle who will be needed against Saquon Barkley.
239. Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson – C+ Grade
The Cowboys get another running back. Perhaps Phil Mafah will hit, but he was seen as a UDFA player. We’re in the middle of the seventh round though.
247. Tommy Akingbesote, DT, Maryland – C Grade
The Cowboys continue to bolster the interior of their defensive line, albeit with a prospect who wasn’t expected to be drafted. It’s worth noting that the Cowboys didn’t draft a single receiver.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
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