Cowboys Draft: RB, WR, & DL Targets at NFL Combine

Cowboys Eye Rebuild Through Draft: Scouting Combine Insights for 2025 Playoff Push

The 2024 season was one to forget for the Dallas Cowboys. A disappointing 7-10 record left them out of the playoff picture, a stark contrast to the high expectations that surrounded the team. But with Dak Prescott expected to be fully recovered from injury and a new head coach at the helm, hope springs eternal in Dallas. A return to the postseason in 2025 hinges on a successful offseason strategy, one that addresses glaring weaknesses on both sides of the ball.

The Cowboys roster has noticeable holes that need immediate attention. The running back position lacks explosiveness and game-changing ability. At wide receiver, the team needs to find a reliable complement to CeeDee Lamb, someone who can consistently threaten defenses and create mismatches. On the defensive side of the ball, bolstering both the defensive tackle and linebacker positions is crucial for improving run defense and applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The big question looming over Jerry Jones and his staff is how to best address these needs. Will they delve into the free agency market, hoping to land proven veterans who can make an immediate impact? Or will they focus on the NFL Draft, hoping to find young, talented players who can develop into stars? This weekend’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis offers a critical opportunity to evaluate potential draft prospects and gather valuable information to inform their decision-making process.

Here’s a look at some players the Cowboys should be watching closely in Indianapolis, focusing on the positions of greatest need:

Running Back:

The Cowboys’ running back situation in 2024, featuring Rico Dowdle and the returning Ezekiel Elliott, was simply not good enough. They desperately need to inject some dynamism and explosiveness into the backfield. The Combine will provide a prime opportunity to assess the top prospects.

• Ashton Jeanty (Boise State): Jeanty is a name that generates serious buzz. Fresh off a Heisman Trophy runner-up finish and flirting with the FBS single-season rushing record, he possesses a rare combination of balance, speed, and patience. Jeanty appears to be a true three-down back with the potential to become an immediate star in the NFL. However, his projected draft stock is a significant hurdle. He’s likely to be a first-round pick, and with the Cowboys currently holding the 12th overall selection, drafting Jeanty might be considered too expensive. Would they be willing to trade up?

• Damien Hampton (Michigan): Widely regarded as the second-best running back in this year’s draft class, Hampton offers a potentially more accessible option for the Cowboys. He could potentially be available when the Cowboys make their second-round pick. Hampton possesses the raw talent and skill set to become a feature back in the NFL. He could even make an immediate impact in Week 1. The biggest knock on Hampton is his perceived weakness in pass blocking. Given Dak Prescott’s injury history, some might consider that risk too high.

• Tyrone Johnson (Texas A&M): Another running back projected to be available in the second round, Johnson brings a different style to the table. He doesn’t possess the blazing speed that many NFL offenses covet. However, he more than compensates with his exceptional elusiveness and vision. He consistently finds holes and maximizes yardage in tight spaces. For a team that might not be planning significant upgrades to the offensive line, Johnson’s ability to make the most of limited opportunities could be a perfect fit. He is also a reliable receiver, although his routes are primarily limited to screens and checkdowns.

Defensive Line:

Improving the defensive line is paramount for the Cowboys’ defense to reach its full potential. They need players who can consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and plug holes in the run game.

• Myles Pearce (Clemson): While Abdul Carter and Mason Graham might be the headliners of this year’s defensive line class, Pearce presents a compelling third option. He could potentially slide to the Cowboys at pick No. 12. Pearce is an excellent play recognizer with the strength to move even the most formidable blockers. However, he can sometimes overextend himself, leaving him vulnerable to more mobile quarterbacks. In a division featuring Jalen Hurts and potentially Jayden Daniels, that could be a concern.

• Jason Williams (Georgia): Williams was the anchor of the dominant Georgia defense this past year. He possesses the raw strength necessary to shut down opposing rushing attacks. His football IQ is off the charts. The biggest question mark surrounding Williams is his lack of pass-rushing versatility. Outside of his powerful bull rush, he doesn’t have a wide array of moves. An opponent who can effectively counter that initial move could render Williams ineffective. That would be a concern when the goal is to free up Micah Parsons to make plays.

• Kevin Grant (Michigan): As one of the more highly-touted interior linemen in this year’s draft, Grant possesses exceptional strength. It is worth noting, however, that he benefited from playing alongside Mason Graham. This undoubtedly created more opportunities for Grant. The Cowboys would have to determine whether Grant can anchor the interior on his own as effectively.

Wide Receiver:

With CeeDee Lamb firmly established as the team’s WR1, the Cowboys need to find a receiver who can consistently stretch the field and provide a reliable target for Dak Prescott.

• Jackson McMillan (Ohio State): Widely considered the top receiver in this year’s class, there’s only a slim chance that McMillan will still be available when the Cowboys make their pick. If the Cowboys are truly enamored with McMillan’s potential, they might consider trading up to secure his services. McMillan’s versatility is a major selling point. He could seamlessly slot into the Cowboys’ offense as either an outside or slot receiver, providing the coaching staff with a wealth of options. While some scouts have noted McMillan’s lack of elite speed and release as potential weaknesses, he compensates with his exceptional ability to make catches in traffic and find open spaces against zone coverages.

• Keon Bond (Alabama): If the Cowboys are prioritizing speed, Bond is the obvious choice. He reportedly ran a blazing 4.28 40-yard dash. He would instantly become a valuable addition as a Z receiver, stretching defenses and opening up opportunities for Lamb and others. Bond’s size does raise some concerns, as some reports suggest he can be physically overmatched by bigger, more physical cornerbacks. However, he should be available in the second round, making him a potentially attractive option if the Cowboys address other needs with their first-round pick.

• Luther Burden (Missouri): Burden is a highly talented player who possesses exceptional release and an uncanny ability to come down with contested balls. However, he often draws comparisons to Kadarius Toney, which might give some teams pause. While Toney was a high-end prospect who showed flashes of greatness in the NFL, he ultimately failed to live up to expectations. Burden is widely considered to be a more polished receiver than Toney was at this stage. The Cowboys may consider Burden a safe option in the first round.

The NFL Scouting Combine is just the first step in the long and winding road to the 2025 season. The Cowboys’ brass will be watching closely. They have several critical decisions to make to improve their chances of returning to the playoffs. The performance of these players in Indianapolis will play a pivotal role in shaping the Cowboys’ offseason strategy. It could dictate the team’s future success.