The 2025 NFL Draft felt like the start of a new era for the Cowboys with Brian Schottenheimer running the show. They chose nine players, focusing on the offensive line, defence, and backfield depth.
For the first time since 2020, they didn’t draft a wide receiver, a clear sign they are tweaking their approach.
This rundown looks at each rookie, their college days, and what they offer. Dallas is building for 2025 and beyond. Smart moves, steady decisions, that’s been the story so far.
Dallas Cowboys 2025 Draft Picks
This overview outlines the Dallas Cowboys’ draft picks for 2025. It highlights important additions on offence, defence, and special teams.
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | Tyler Booker | G | Alabama |
| 2 | 44 | Donovan Ezeiruaku | EDGE | Boston College |
| 3 | 76 | Shavon Revel Jr. | CB | East Carolina |
| 5 | 149 | Jaydon Blue | RB | Texas |
| 5 | 152 | Shemar James | LB | Florida |
| 6 | 204 | Ajani Cornelius | OL | Oregon |
| 7 | 217 | Jay Toia | DT | UCLA |
| 7 | 239 | Phil Mafah | RB | Clemson |
| 7 | 247 | Tommy Akingbesote | DT | Maryland |
The Cowboys worked on improving the offensive line. They boosted defensive edge players and added versatile running backs. They also invested a lot in defensive tackle depth in the later rounds.
Dallas chose not to pick a wide receiver. This shows they trust their current receivers. It also opens up chances for future trades.
Dallas Cowboys Player Profiles And Analysis
Meet the Cowboys’ 2025 draft picks — a group built to reshape the trenches, defence, and backfield depth.
1. Tyler Booker – (Round 1, Pick 12)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | Alabama |
| Position | Offensive Guard |
| Height/Weight | 6’5″, 320 lbs |
| Strengths | Run blocking, strength, technique |
| NFL Role Projection | Starting guard, key run blocker |
Booker serves as the cornerstone of Dallas’s offensive line reconstruction, bringing powerful run-blocking ability and refined technique developed within Alabama’s championship-calibre system.
His immediate impact is expected as a Day 1 starter, addressing critical interior line needs while providing the foundation for enhanced quarterback protection and ground game effectiveness.
Why This Pick Matters:
Dallas prioritised trenches dominance, and Booker’s ability to execute power-based blocking schemes perfectly complements the team’s offensive philosophy and running game aspirations.
2. Donovan Ezeiruaku – (Round 2, Pick 44)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | Boston College |
| Position | EDGE Rusher |
| Height/Weight | 6’3″, 255 lbs |
| Strengths | Pass rush, athleticism |
| NFL Role Projection | Rotational pass rusher, future starter |
Ezeiruaku delivers speed and flexibility off the edge, perfectly complementing Dallas’ aggressive defensive scheme that emphasises physical, attacking play.
His development trajectory positions him as a rotational contributor initially, with clear potential to evolve into a consistent starting threat as he adapts to NFL competition levels.
Why This Pick Matters:
Addressing pass rush depth remained a critical organisational priority, and Ezeiruaku’s developmental potential makes this selection a strategic long-term investment in defensive line effectiveness.
3. Shavon Revel Jr. – (Round 3, Pick 76)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | East Carolina |
| Position | Cornerback |
| Height/Weight | 6’0″, 190 lbs |
| Strengths | Coverage, agility |
| NFL Role Projection | Depth CB, special teams contributor |
Revel Jr. strengthens Dallas’ secondary depth while providing valuable special teams contributions, bringing agility and quickness that align with the Cowboys’ fast-paced defensive approach.
His versatility allows for multiple deployment scenarios across various defensive packages and coverage responsibilities.
Why This Pick Matters:
With secondary depth representing a crucial roster priority, Revel Jr.’s dual-threat capability as a coverage defender and special-teams performer maximises his roster value and developmental potential.
4. Jaydon Blue – (Round 5, Pick 149)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | Texas |
| Position | Running Back |
| Height/Weight | 5’11”, 210 lbs |
| Strengths | Speed, explosiveness |
| NFL Role Projection | Explosive backfield weapon |
Blue injects speed and big-play capability into Dallas’ backfield rotation, offering explosive potential that complements existing running backs while creating matchup advantages.
His projected role involves competing for carries while adding dynamic elements to the Cowboys’ offensive attack through his breakaway ability.
Why This Pick Matters:
Blue’s explosiveness directly supports the team’s objective of establishing a versatile, unpredictable rushing attack that can create explosive plays and maintain offensive balance.
5. Shemar James – (Round 5, Pick 152)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | Florida |
| Position | Linebacker |
| Height/Weight | 6’1″, 235 lbs |
| Strengths | Pass rush, tackling |
| NFL Role Projection | Special teams, rotational linebacker |
James brings versatility and strong pass-rushing instincts to the linebacker position, positioned for development under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
His physicality and aggressive playing style align perfectly with Dallas’ defensive philosophy that emphasises attacking, physical play at all levels.
Why This Pick Matters:
James provides essential depth and competition at linebacker while offering significant upside potential as a future starter, addressing both immediate needs and long-term positional development.
6. Ajani Cornelius – (Round 6, Pick 204)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | Oregon |
| Position | Offensive Lineman |
| Height/Weight | 6’6″, 310 lbs |
| Strengths | Versatility (Tackle/Guard) |
| NFL Role Projection | Backup OL with flexibility |
Cornelius provides Dallas with valuable positional versatility along the offensive line, possessing the skills to contribute at both tackle and guard positions.
This flexibility proves invaluable for depth purposes and injury insurance, allowing the Cowboys to maintain line continuity across multiple scenarios.
Why This Pick Matters:
Cross-training offensive linemen represents a crucial strategy in modern NFL roster construction, and Cornelius’ versatility perfectly fits this organisational philosophy while providing cost-effective depth.
7. Jay Toia – (Round 7, Pick 217)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | UCLA |
| Position | Defensive Tackle |
| Height/Weight | 6’2″, 300 lbs |
| Strengths | Physicality, run defense |
| NFL Role Projection | Rotational DT |
Toia strengthens Dallas’ defensive tackle rotation with his physical presence and run-stopping ability, bringing the type of interior pressure that complements the Cowboys’ aggressive defensive scheme.
His development focus centers on contributing to run defense while providing rotational depth to keep starters fresh.
Why This Pick Matters:
Interior defensive line depth remains essential for maintaining defensive effectiveness throughout a full season, and Toia’s physical style fits Dallas’ defensive identity perfectly.
8. Phil Mafah – (Round 7, Pick 239)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | Clemson |
| Position | Running Back |
| Height/Weight | 5’10”, 220 lbs |
| Strengths | Physical runner, power |
| NFL Role Projection | Power back, short-yardage specialist |
Mafah adds power and physicality to Dallas’ running back room, specialising in short-yardage situations and goal-line carries.
His bruising running style provides a complementary element to the Cowboys’ backfield, offering a different dimension from the speed-focused approach of other selections.
Why This Pick Matters:
Having a dedicated power runner for specific situations enhances offensive versatility and provides reliable short-yardage conversion ability, addressing tactical needs within the running game.
9. Tommy Akingbesote – (Round 7, Pick 247)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | Maryland |
| Position | Defensive Tackle |
| Height/Weight | 6’3″, 310 lbs |
| Strengths | Size, run-stopping |
| NFL Role Projection | Depth DT |
Akingbesote concludes Dallas’ draft class by adding size and run-stopping ability to the defensive tackle position, providing depth and competition for roster spots.
His projection involves contributing to run defence while developing the skills necessary for potential future starting opportunities.
Why This Pick Matters:
Doubling up on defensive tackles demonstrates Dallas’ commitment to building interior line depth and creating competition that elevates overall unit performance.
Dallas Cowboys Draft 2025 Strategy & Takeaways
The Cowboys’ 2025 draft strategy revealed several key organisational priorities and philosophical approaches that will define their roster construction moving forward:
1. Building Physical Dominance: Dallas emphasised physicality and aggressive play across both sides of the ball, selecting players who fit their identity of tough, hard-hitting football.
This approach reflects Schottenheimer’s vision for establishing a more physical team presence.
2. Offensive Line Investment: The first-round selection of Tyler Booker, combined with later-round depth additions, demonstrates Dallas’s commitment to protecting their quarterback and establishing a dominant ground game.
This investment addresses a critical organisational need while building long-term stability.
3. Backfield Diversification: The dual running back selections of Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah provide contrasting skill sets that enhance offensive versatility.
Blue offers speed and explosiveness, while Mafah brings power and short-yardage reliability.
4. Wide Receiver Absence: The deliberate decision to avoid selecting a wide receiver for the first time since 2020 signals confidence in current roster construction and potential future trade opportunities.
This approach maintains roster flexibility while addressing other positional needs.
5. Defensive Foundation: Multiple defensive selections across linebacker, cornerback, and defensive tackle positions demonstrate Dallas’ commitment to building a younger, more athletic defence that can execute aggressive schemes effectively.
6. Value-Based Approach: The Cowboys appeared to follow their draft board strictly, prioritising the best available player over reaching for specific positional needs, particularly in later rounds.
How The Dallas Cowboys Draft Fits The 2025 Roster
Dallas’ nine-player draft class strengthens key areas — offensive line, pass rush, backfield depth, and defensive interior.
Tyler Booker projects as a Day 1 starter, with Ezeiruaku, James, Blue, Mafah, Toia, and Akingbesote adding competition and versatility.
This balanced approach meets immediate needs, develops future starters, and leaves room for trades or free-agent moves.
Conclusion: Dallas Added Nine Fresh Faces, Focusing On The Trenches, Defensive Firepower, And Backfield Depth!
The Cowboys’ 2025 draft under Brian Schottenheimer had a clear focus. They aimed to strengthen the trenches, enhance defensive intensity, and deepen the backfield. At the same time, they relied on veteran receivers.
Dallas used nine picks to balance immediate needs with future growth. They focused on creating a tougher and more aggressive team.
Skipping a wide receiver wasn’t a miss but a calculated move to keep roster options open.
This draft class defines the Cowboys’ new identity. How these rookies perform will impact the success of this bold change.
FAQs
Tyler Booker, an offensive guard from Alabama, was selected 12th overall to strengthen the offensive line immediately.
No, Dallas did not select any wide receivers, marking the first time since 2020 that they avoided the position.
Nine players were selected across seven rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft to address multiple roster needs.
Offensive line, defensive edge rusher, running back, and defensive tackle positions received primary focus throughout the draft.
Yes, both Jaydon Blue from Texas and Phil Mafah from Clemson were selected to strengthen backfield depth.
