Jerry Jones is staring at the mirror and he likes the reflection. The Cowboys’ owner holds the keys to the first round with the 12th and 20th overall picks.
Dallas needs an infusion of talent after another disappointing exit. Jones knows he cannot afford a repeat of his 2017 blunder when the front office reached for help.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
That year, the Cowboys burned the 28th pick onTaco Charlton despite having a second-round grade on him. Charlton managed only 4.0 sacks before being cut quickly.
“I’ve looked at that mirror a lot, about how to go up and down and trade and do those kinds of things,” Jonessaid. “Absolutely. We’ll entertain improving or an in-draft read on what gives us a better chance to get another player, and still have our pick and the red meat of top players.”
The billionaire is hunting for red meat players this time around. He understands that the fan base has zero patience for another developmental project that fails to produce.
Holding two picks in the top 20 gives Jones massive leverage. He can move up for a blue-chip star or slide back to collect more assets.
Dallas currently lacks a second-round selection in this cycle. This creates a massive hole in the middle of their roster-building strategy for the upcoming season.
“It’s one thing to sit here right now, it’s another thing to sit and look at it three hours into the draft,” Jones said. “Possibility.”
Trading out of the 20th spot on April 23 remains a major talking point. Rivals expect Jones to be aggressive if his preferred targets vanish from the board.
Jerry Jones admits draft capital beats knowledge every time
The roster has several glaring needs following a quiet free agency period. Critics argue that standing pat might not be enough to fix the defensive interior.
“No amount of skill, no amount of knowledge, can beat having a lot of draft capital, having a lot of picks,” Jonessaid. “That’ll win most of the time.”
The owner is obsessed with finding a difference maker who can contribute immediately. He wants to avoid the shallow talent pool that often ruins late first-rounders.
Jones is gambling on his ability to read the board better than his peers. He believes the ammunition at his disposal allows for any possible draft day machination.
Scouts are wary of the depth in this particular class. Reaching for a player with a low grade would likely result in another Charlton style disaster.
Success in the first round is mandatory for a team with championship aspirations. Jones knows his legacy depends on hitting home runs with these two premium selections.