The Dallas Cowboys "selectively aggressive" approach to free agency this year has made them surprisingly more active than they have been in years past. While they've filled a lot of holes to their roster by signing and trading for rotational and depth players, it looks like they will still be relying heavily on the 2025 NFL Draft to significantly upgrade several positions.
Right now, the Cowboys still need to upgrade defensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver, running back, and quite possibly offensive line and defensive end as well. Today, with the help of Pro Football Focus' mock draft simulator, we attempt to upgrade Dallas' roster with the 10 draft picks they currently hold in each round except the fourth due to the Jonathan Mingo trade.
1.12 - RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 30 NC State at North Carolina Photo by Nicholas Faulkner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
At 5'11", 221-pounds, Omarion Hampton checks all of the boxes NFL teams look for in their RB1. He is a complete three-down back with the high-end physical tools and versatility to immediately become one of the best RBs in the league as a rookie. While it's true the 2025 RB draft class is deep, Hampton is arguably the only one outside of Ashton Jeanty with elite potential at the next level. Taking him at No. 12 may be a slight reach, but not by much.
2.44 - WR Jack Bech, TCU
Texas Tech v TCU Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images
At 6'1", 214-pounds, Jack Bech is a QB-friendly wide receiver who could be a perfect pairing for CeeDee Lamb in Dallas. He is a versatile and physical WR who can play inside or out, has vice-like strong hands, is a sharp route runner, and one of the best contested catch receivers in the draft class. He is also willing to do the dirty work as a blocker and has a high football IQ, much like Cooper Kupp, who Dallas showed an interest in acquiring recently.
3.76 - CB Jacob Parrish, Kansas State
Cincinnati v Kansas State Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images
At 5'10", 191-pounds, Jacob Parrish is a scheme diverse cornerback capable of playing in press-man or zone coverage. He's smooth in coverage and is a willing tackler in the run game. From a size, speed, and talent standpoint he compares favorably to Jourdan Lewis, who recently signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency, and could step in immediately as a rookie to replace him as the Cowboys new nickel CB.
5.149 - QB Quinn Ewers, Texas
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl - Texas v Arizona State Photo by Adam Hagy/CFP/Getty Images
At 6'2", 214-pounds, Quinn Ewers as a prototypical size and arm talent to develop into a starting QB at the next level. He carries some injury concerns and needs to do a better job of reading defenses, but the potential is there to develop into a starter at the next level. He's someone the Cowboys have already shown an interest in and could be someone they consider to backup Dak Prescott, especially now that Cooper Rush signed with the Ravens.
5.171 - OT/G Emery Jones Jr., LSU
2024 LSU Archive Photo by Ella Hall/LSU/University Images via Getty Images
At 6'5", 315-pounds, Emery Jones Jr. is an intriguing offensive line prospect who has the length (34 1/4 inch arms) and athleticism to remain on the outside at right tackle at the next level, but his long-term future may be kicking inside to guard. He's someone who could step in and immediately challenge to become Zack Martin's replacement at RG as a rookie or could become Terence Steele's successor at RT in the not-too-distant future.
5.174 - RB Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech v Duke Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images
At 5'9", 206-pounds, Bhayshul Tuten is on the smaller side, but he is a compact runner with good contact balance who is capable of taking it to the house anytime he touches the ball. He has elite, game breaking speed (4.32 40-yard dash) and is at his best in a zone blocking scheme. He needs to improve his ball security (nine fumbles over the last two years), but that's easily fixed with coaching. He'd provide some much-needed juice to Dallas' backfield.
6.204 - S R.J. Mickens, Clemson
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 23 Florida State at Clemson Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
At 6'0", 199-pounds, R.J. Mickens is a versatile defensive back who can provide much-needed depth to the back end of the Cowboys secondary. During his time at Clemson he played as a box safety, free safety, and in the slot. He's at his best in zone coverage, something that could appeal to Matt Eberflus. He could compete for playing time as a rookie and his position flex could make him an invaluable depth piece early on.
6.211 - EDGE Fadil Diggs, Syracuse
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At 6'4", 287-pounds, Fadil Diggs has the prototypical size and athleticism NFL teams look for in an edge rusher. He is a developmental prospect who has shown flashes in his collegiate career at both Texas A&M and Syracuse, but needs to further develop his craft to be considered a starting caliber player in the league. Early on with the Cowboys he could provide more depth at DE and possibly become a pass rush specialist as a rookie.
6.239 - DT Vernon Broughton, Texas
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At 6'5", 311-pounds, Vernon Broughton would add some much-needed depth to the Cowboys DT position. He could get in on the rotation with Solomon Thomas backing up Osa Odighizuwa as a 3-technique early on. He is an above-average athlete for his size and had a very respectable 18.1% pass rush win rate in 2024 for the Longhorns. He is also just an average run defender who struggles with double teams at the point of attack.
7.247 - DT Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: AUG 31 AFLAC Kickoff Game - Clemson vs Georgia Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
At 6'4", 327-pounds, the former Georgia Bulldog DT is a two-down big bodied, space eating run stuffer the Cowboys defensive line is currently lacking. Although he doesn't offer much, if anything, as a pass rusher, his ability to anchor down at the point of attack would immediately upgrade Dallas' run defense and free up the linebackers behind him to make plays. Pairing him with Mazi Smith would give the Cowboys a solid 1-tech duo.