The Dallas Cowboys in 2025 turned out to be quite a talented team, but only on one side of the field.
The offense ranked among the best in the NFL. However, the team scored as many points as it gave up. Pick any defensive stat, and the Cowboys likely ranked in the bottom five in it in year one without star Micah Parsons. That’s one of the biggest reasons why Dallas won the same number of games it did last year as in 2024 (seven).
So far, Dallas is focusing its free-agency efforts on bolstering the defense, which allowed 35 touchdowns in 2025 (second-most in the NFL). It signed former Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson and Rams CB Cobie Durant, then traded a future fourth-round pick for Packers defensive end Rashan Gary.
Thanks to the Parsons trade, Dallas will have a chance to pick some prospects with upside.
Cowboys Draft Picks:
- Round 1: Pick No. 12
- Round 1: Pick No. 20 – from Packers
- Round 3: Pick No. 92 – from 49ers
- Round 4: Pick No. 112
- Round 5: Pick No. 152
- Round 5: Pick No. 177
- Round 5: Pick No. 180
- Round 7: Pick No. 218 – from Titans
Defense remains the top priority to address in the upcoming draft. The other question mark for Dallas comes at receiver. Although Dallas opted to franchise tag George Pickens, who shined as a receiver last year, Dallas could potentially look to draft a future starter in the event the team moves on from him or CeeDee Lamb after next season.
Cowboys Positions of Need:
In this order, these are the team needs the Cowboys will likely address in the draft:
- LB
- CB
- WR
Key Draft Targets for Cowboys:
Mansoor Delane – CB – LSU
Delane ranks as the best cornerback prospect available, according to ESPN and PFF. Most mocks currently project him as a borderline top-10 pick. If he fell to No. 12, it’s an easy choice for the Cowboys to make.
NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein specifically noted how Delane has “lockdown potential.” Considering the uncertainty Dallas has at the position, he could be an immediate Day 1 starter.
If Delane isn’t available, Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy is the other candidate Dallas should consider at the position.
CJ Allen – LB – Georgia
Allen is expected to go in the late-middle/end of the first round. CBS Sports recently had him projected to be selected No. 21, right in Dallas’ range.
Draft analysts are all seeing the same thing about Allen: three-down potential, incredible burst, and the ability to wrap up on tackles. He can be a blitzing linebacker, but Allen played a nearly 50-50 split in run and pass defense. That versatility could go a long way for the Cowboys.
Omar Cooper Jr. – WR – Indiana
Cooper is coming off a strong combine performance and a year where he led Indiana in receptions and receiving yards. He played in the slot and on the outside in his collegiate career, bringing a reputation as a playmaker.
He could easily be the next weapon for Dak Prescott to give the ball to down the road and could serve as a great third-option wide receiver this season.
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