3 best picks the Dallas Cowboys can make during the 2025 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys have been more active in free agency than in previous years, making several trades and signing some low-cost veterans.

However, none of the players they’ve acquired will move the needle very much for this franchise moving forward. Dallas is a draft-and-develop team, and they need to hit on their first-round pick in a big way to turn the direction of the franchise around.

Here are three best picks the Cowboys could make in Round 1 during the 2025 NFL Draft:

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Just a few weeks ago, it sure seemed like Mason Graham was a lock to be a top-five selection. But after not performing at the NFL Combine and weighing in under 300 pounds, some questions have popped up. Graham has started to fall in several of the expert consensus boards, putting him in the range for the Cowboys at No. 12.

Another Michigan defensive player for Dallas? Yes. Graham is different. He plays incredibly hard and can move up and down the defensive line. His fit with Osa Odighizuwa and Mazi Smith would be interesting, but there is no such thing as having too much defensive tackle depth.

Dallas desperately needs to add more pass-rushing options on their defensive line, and Graham would help out there. He’s also a plus run defender, meaning that he would never need to come off the field. Graham is too talented of a player to pass up on at No. 12, should he fall that fall. But as we inch closer to the draft, it sure seems like he could be an option for the Cowboys.

Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

Franchises should generally opt for safer players inside the top 12 of the NFL Draft. Players should check all of the boxes, including athleticism, production, and character. Think of someone like Will Anderson Jr., who had incredible college production on top of great athleticism.

Unfortunately, there is nothing safe about Shemar Stewart. He had 4.5 career sacks in three seasons at Texas A&M. But what’s more telling is the lack of tackle-for-loss production, as most first-round picks will average at least one per game. Williams had just 12 in 37 starts in the SEC. Yikes.

But the reason why Stewart makes so much sense for Dallas is his rare athleticism. He posted a perfect 10.0 RAS score, making him the most athletic defensive end in NFL history after running a 4.59 40-yard dash at 267 pounds.

While Stewart isn’t a big sack production player yet, he has been a disruptive run defender. Pairing him with Micah Parsons would be a sight to see, given how well their games complement each other.

Matt Eberflus, the new defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, prefers size and length at defensive end. And that’s exactly what Stewart has on top of all-time athleticism. It’s certainly a gamble at No. 12, but it’s one worth taking if you are the Cowboys.

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Burden has fallen down the boards when it comes to mock drafts, but don’t let that fool you. Luther Burden III is one of the best players in the class and would be an ideal fit in Dallas with CeeDee Lamb. Burden was highly productive in the SEC at a young age, which is a tell-tale sign that a payer will be good in the NFL.

He’s not the most refined route runner, but neither was Lamb coming out of Oklahoma. Instead, he’s one of the best players in the country with the ball in his hands. Burden isn’t a gadget player like Malachi Corley (2024 draft) or KaVonte Turpin. He is a Z-receiver who is still learning how to run NFL routes, but it's clear he has the ability to do so at the next level. He also does a great job of tracking the ball in the air, which is a great sign for his long-term outlook. Most receivers coming out of college struggle with an NFL route tree, but very few move like Burden and have the size/speed combo to win at the next level.

Arguably, the biggest need on the roster is finding a second playmaker in the passing game. That’s why Burden makes so much sense. You can also slot in Tetairoa McMillan here, and it would be just as good of a fit. Grabbing a dynamic No. 2 option to play with Lamb has to be priority No. 1 for Dallas this offseason, and both Burden and McMillan would qualify.