Will the Dallas Cowboys 2025 NFL Draft class help provide the spark needed to propel the team into the playoffs?
With training camp getting underway, rookies around the league start their journey as professional football players. Which players stand out will not only reflect on where they were selected in the draft, but how they fit areas of need. Did the Cowboys find the right players to fit those areas of need?
Dallas Cowboys address top needs:
Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cowboys were linked to offensive playmakers like dominating running back Ashton Jeanty and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. The Cowboys, however, went in a bit of a different direction in adding more talent to their offensive line, adding another explosive defender off the edge and adding depth at cornerback and running back. As Dallas took care of adding offensive playmakers like running back Javonte Williams via free agency and wide receiver George Pickens via trade, the Cowboys have rookies in position to make impacts that could have them challenging for the NFC East crown.
Dallas Cowboys address top needs:
Here are 3 rookies to watch for the Dallas Cowboys:
Round 1, Pick No. 12 – Tyler Booker, G, Alabama: The Cowboys were expected to take a playmaker at this spot, but no one can sneeze at the selection of Tyler Booker with the No. 12 overall pick in the draft. Projected as the top guard in the draft, Booker is a player who can come in and help stabilize the Cowboys’ offensive line unit in his ability to pass block and effectiveness in the run game as a blocker. Both attributes will be huge for the Cowboys’ offense in 2025.
Speaking of huge, Booker is a solid 6-foot-5, 325 pounds and will put himself in position immediately to continue that Cowboys tradition of great offensive lineman, which includes replacing a great one in Zach Martin. That may be putting a bit of pressure on Booker, but he has the talent and winning attitude to live up to that expectation immediately!
Round 2, Pick No. 44 – Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE, Boston College: Selected with the No. 44 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, former Boston College star Donovan Ezeiruaku is in a perfect situation to be a force right away for the Cowboys. In learning from an All-Pro like Micah Parsons, the Cowboys rookie edge rusher is already entering the league with the right attitude. It won’t be all about him, it will be about the team as a unit.
“Nobody’s above anybody,” Ezeiruaku said during rookie minicamp. “We all have different successes and have all done certain things already in the game. [Granted, in the NFL] I haven’t done anything, but it doesn’t matter, because if one guy isn’t going hard, we’re gonna get on that guy the same way anybody else was not going hard.
“Everybody’s equal. That’s pretty much what we mean by [an egoless group].”
In a deep edge rush class, Ezeiruaku was one of the best coming out of college. In his final season he racked up 16.5 sacks and was one of the more ferocious edge rushers in the ACC. Now he brings that impact to the NFC East to a Cowboys team looking to regain that edge on defense.
Round 5, Pick 149 – Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas: The Cowboys needed to improve their run game entering the 2025 NFL Draft and they may have gotten a good one in the fifth round with the selection of Jaydon Blue. The former Texas Longhorns standout gets to stay in the state of Texas and be a factor in the Cowboys’ offense.
Dallas did sign Javonte Williams in free agency to join Miles Sanders in the backfield, but Blue will have an opportunity to etch himself into the mix as a dual threat running back with the ability to electrify on the ground and be another playmaking target for Dak Prescott. In his final season at Texas, Blue rushed for 730 yards while catching 42 passes for 368 yards and six touchdowns. He won’t be the team’s top rusher in 2025, but when it comes to all-purpose yards, the Cowboys will find ways to get the ball in his hand.