As the Dallas Cowboys wrap up their 2024 NFL regular season with just one final game left, the focus for fans has already shifted towards 2025. With playoff hopes slipping away, the excitement surrounding the final regular-season matchup against the Washington Commanders has significantly diminished. Instead, fans are eagerly discussing the future—Mike McCarthy’s potential departure, the NFL Draft, and the expectations surrounding free agency are all top of mind.

Given the current state of affairs, it seems like the perfect time to dive into a preview of the Cowboys’ offseason, specifically focusing on their prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. Let’s take a closer look at what lies ahead for Dallas in the upcoming draft and the steps they need to take to build a stronger, more competitive team in the next season.

Projected Draft Position for the Cowboys

As it stands, the Cowboys are in line to make the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With a current record of 7-9, Dallas sits in the middle of the pack for draft positioning, with the Indianapolis Colts (also 7-9) and the San Francisco 49ers (6-10) ranked just ahead of them in 12th and 11th overall, respectively.

However, the final draft order can still be impacted by the results of Week 18. In the event that all three of these teams finish with identical 7-10 records, the tie-breaker will be determined by strength of schedule. Currently, the strength of schedule rankings place these teams in the following order:

• Colts: .460
• Cowboys: .518
• 49ers: .566

While there are still several other teams that could influence the draft order, it seems likely that the Cowboys will fall somewhere between the 11th and 15th overall pick. Fans will have to wait until after Week 18 to know for sure where their team will pick. Regardless, Dallas has a solid chance to secure a top-tier talent to bolster their roster for the future.

Cowboys’ Top Needs Heading into 2025

The Cowboys enter the 2025 offseason with a long list of needs that they must address if they are to return to championship contention. The team should be aggressive in addressing these gaps as soon as free agency begins in March, rather than waiting until the draft. This proactive approach is something they didn’t fully implement in 2024, but it’s crucial to their success moving forward. The list of team needs is largely contingent on which players are re-signed and which players are allowed to leave in free agency. That being said, here’s a breakdown of the Cowboys’ primary, secondary, and tertiary needs for the upcoming offseason:

• Primary Needs: Offensive Line (OL), Wide Receiver (WR), Defensive Tackle (DT)
• Secondary Needs: Running Back (RB), Linebacker (LB), Cornerback (CB), Edge Rusher (EDGE)
• Tertiary Needs: Safety (S), Quarterback (QB)

As the Cowboys begin to shape their roster for the 2025 season, these positions will need to be the focal points of their draft and free agency plans. The team has some key decisions to make regarding which positions they’ll prioritize, and ensuring the right balance between offense and defense will be critical to their success.

Most Mocked Draft Prospects for the Cowboys

As of now, several players are being frequently mocked to the Cowboys in draft projections. According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, here are the prospects who are most often linked to Dallas:

• RB Ashton Jeanty (52.4%): The Cowboys have long been in search of a dynamic running back who can complement Tony Pollard and bring more explosiveness to the backfield. Jeanty, with his quickness and ability to make plays, is a player who could help elevate the Cowboys’ ground game.
• WR Luther Burden (9.7%): With the departure of some key receivers and questions surrounding the long-term future of certain players in the wide receiver corps, the Cowboys may look to add another explosive playmaker to their roster. Burden has the potential to be a major weapon in Dallas’ passing attack.
• WR Emeka Egbuka (3.9%): A more modestly mocked prospect, Egbuka has the skills and talent to step into the NFL and make an immediate impact. In my own mock draft published earlier this month, I had the Cowboys selecting Egbuka at 14th overall. His versatility and route-running ability could make him a great fit for the Cowboys’ offensive scheme.

Full Projected Draft Picks for the Cowboys

Here’s a complete breakdown of the Cowboys’ draft picks for the 2025 NFL Draft, assuming they remain in their current position:

• Round 1: 13th Overall
• Round 2: 44th Overall
• Round 3: 78th Overall
• Round 5: 148th Overall
• Round 5: 168th Overall (Compensatory Pick)
• Round 5: 170th Overall (Compensatory Pick)
• Round 5: 171st Overall (Compensatory Pick)
• Round 6: 189th Overall
• Round 6: 209th Overall (Compensatory Pick)
• Round 7: 248th Overall

With several picks in the middle rounds, the Cowboys have an opportunity to add depth to their roster in key areas, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. The team will need to carefully evaluate their options and look for players who can contribute immediately, as the Cowboys are in win-now mode.

Conclusion

As the 2024 season winds down, all eyes are on the Cowboys’ future. Whether it’s addressing their key needs in free agency or making smart picks in the NFL Draft, the team is at a crossroads that will define their trajectory in 2025 and beyond. With the 13th overall pick and multiple other valuable selections, Dallas has the chance to reshape their roster and put themselves in a better position for next year. As the offseason approaches, it will be exciting to see how they approach these pivotal decisions.