Dallas Cowboys 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Rebuilding the Doomsday Defense in the Big D

The Dallas Cowboys are coming off one of their best wins of the season, a 20-17 victory over the Steelers, but their schedule only gets tougher with upcoming games against Detroit, San Francisco, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Houston. These next few weeks will test whether the Cowboys are legitimate contenders, but if things don’t go their way, their focus may quickly shift toward the 2025 NFL Draft.

Dallas Cowboys 2025 NFL Mock Draft

One of the biggest weaknesses on the Cowboys' defense this season is stopping the run, a need that could grow if Osa Odighizuwa departs in free agency. Ranked 24th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, the Cowboys could benefit from Kentucky’s massive defensive tackle, Deone Walker. Standing at 6'6" and 345 pounds, Walker’s strength and size allow him to clog up running lanes effectively, making him a key piece to help solidify the Cowboys’ run defense.

In addition to struggling to stop the run, the Cowboys' own ground game is lacking, averaging just 82 rushing yards per game—second-worst in the NFL. With no young, promising backs on the roster, drafting a running back in 2025 is a must. Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson stands out with his rare combination of size, power, and speed. Not only is he a powerful runner, but he’s also reliable in the passing game, having not dropped a pass all season.

Another key area the Cowboys must address is the offensive line, currently ranked 28th in the NFL by Sharp Football Analysis. One of the biggest weaknesses is at left tackle. Ohio State’s Josh Simmons is an athletic tackle with quick feet, making him an ideal candidate to fill that role and provide much-needed protection for the Cowboys' offense.

With their fourth-round pick, the Cowboys continue to strengthen their offensive line, selecting Alabama’s Parker Brailsford. A versatile player, Brailsford has experience at both guard and center. At the very least, he’ll provide depth at both positions, and his impressive 86.7 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus highlights his ability to contribute immediately as a run blocker.

After addressing their need for a run-stopping presence in the first round, the Cowboys add pass-rushing versatility with Oregon’s Jordan Burch in the fifth round. Burch’s size and athleticism make him a fit for multiple roles—he could line up as a three-technique defensive tackle or as a defensive end, offering flexibility depending on the Cowboys' scheme. If the team moves to a 3-4 defense, a possibility if they bring in someone like Bill Belichick as head coach, Burch could be an even more valuable asset.

To continue bolstering their defensive line, the Cowboys draft Georgia’s Nazir Stackhouse. Once considered a potential second-round pick, Stackhouse’s stock slipped due to inconsistent pass rush. However, he still provides valuable depth as a run defender, complementing the earlier pick of Deone Walker.

Depth in the secondary is another need for the Cowboys, which they address by selecting Nebraska cornerback Tommi Hill. A good-sized corner with solid ball skills, Hill could be a steal in the fifth round if he returns to full form after missing time due to injury.

Back-to-back secondary picks continue with UNLV safety Jalen Catalon. Quietly having an excellent season with four interceptions, Catalon is a playmaker when healthy. While injuries have plagued his past, his talent makes him one of the top safeties in college football.

Although linebacker isn’t a major need for the Cowboys, Iowa’s Jay Higgins is too good to pass up in the sixth round. Higgins had an outstanding 171 tackles last season and continues to impress with his tackling numbers this year. His instinctive play and aggressive style make him a solid value pick at this point in the draft.

The Cowboys select their third defensive tackle of the draft by picking Nebraska’s Nash Hutmacher. A key figure in Nebraska’s defense, which allows just 73.2 rushing yards per game, Hutmacher excels at shutting down the run. His 76.2 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus further underscores his effectiveness. As the third run-stuffing DT added, Hutmacher brings valuable depth to the Cowboys' defensive line, reinforcing their commitment to stopping the run.