The Dallas Cowboys addressed their top need going into the 2025 NFL Draft by picking OL Tyler Booker from Alabama.
But that’s just the start. The Cowboys still have nine more picks to their name, including No. 44 and 76 overall in Day 2. Though they’ll largely go by best player available, they still have many needs to address and their next couple of picks will go a long way in doing that.
Below are the top five team needs in Dallas ahead of the second round starting Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
1. Wide receiver
Projected starters: CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo
Getting out of the first round with no wide receiver is dangerous business for the Cowboys. But they stuck to their board in Day 1 and picked Booker to boost the offensive line. Now, the need for WR help is as urgent as it gets. But is there a Round 2 wide receiver that can truly move the needle?
2. Running back
Projected starter: Javonte Williams
The Cowboys appear to be confident in the depth of this year’s class so picking a running back might not be in the cards even in the second round. But there’s no question the need is enormous as the offense is currently expected to field a couple of running backs that haven’t hit four yards per attempt in over two years.
3. Defensive tackle (nose)
Projected starter: Mazi Smith
The Cowboys secured Osa Odighizuwa and added Solomon Thomas to back him up in the three-technique spot. But the Cowboys still need to shake up the nose tackle spot, where former first-round pick Mazi Smith has underwhelmed in his first couple of pro years. Defensive line is likely in the cards entering Day 2.
4. Cornerback
Projected starters: DaRon Bland, Trevon Diggs (injured), Caelen Carson
The Cowboys lost slot corner Jourdan Lewis in free agency and Trevon Diggs’ Week 1 status is in the air. The team recently hosted Stephon Gilmore on a visit though how likely a free agency signing is remains a mystery at this point. Though the Cowboys are bullish on second-year cornerback Caelen Carson, this is an underrated team need.
5. Linebacker
Projected starters: Marist Liufau, Jack Sanborn*
*Keep in mind, DeMarvion Overshown isn’t expected back until early November. That puts the Cowboys in a tough spot. While they have two promising linebackers for the future in Liufau and Overshown, they lack a proven Week 1 starter. They’re unlikely to get that in the second round or later but they might aim for depth.
