Over the past couple of months, there has been considerable discussion surrounding the Dallas Cowboys' plans for their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which is currently the 12th overall selection.
The three most notable players linked to the Cowboys are running back Ashton Jeanty, wide receiver Tet McMillan, and cornerback Will Johnson.
While all of these names are impressive, and with America's Team needing to make its first-round selection count, there has not been nearly enough focus on the potential late-round gems Dallas could acquire.
Oftentimes, how a team drafts in the later rounds is just as important as their first-round selection. Each and every year, several players who fall to Day 3 exceed expectations and develop into top performers from their draft class.
With that in mind, let's dive in and discuss two skill players and a linebacker that the Cowboys should consider when figuring out how to utilize their seven selections on the final day of the 2025 draft.
RJ Harvey, RB, UCF
Robert "RJ" Harvey may be one of the smaller running backs in the upcoming draft, but the 5-foot-8-inch UCF product stands out in terms of production.
This past season, Harvey recorded 1,577 rushing yards with 22 touchdowns, adding 267 yards and three scores on 20 receptions. His impressive performance earned him a Third-Team All-American designation and helped him secure a fourth-place finish in the Doak Walker Award race, an honor that ultimately went to Jeanty.
In his outstanding senior season, Harvey finished as the third-best running back in the country in rushes that exceeded 15 yards, and his combination of speed, explosiveness, contact balance, and reliable hands has NFL scouts eager to evaluate him.
Additionally, the 24-year-old runs with more power than one might expect from a player of his size. Currently, he is projected to be selected in the mid-fourth to early-fifth round of the draft. Harvey would likely be a Day 2 pick if he were not competing in such a deep 2025 class of running backs.
16 Reps for RJ Harvey 💪 pic.twitter.com/dXXBVuUpwg
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) March 2, 2025
Harvey excelled in his combine workouts, which further boosted his stock. However, he is still not receiving the attention he deserves, and the Cowboys could capitalize on that.
Dallas should not be discouraged by his size when considering him on the final day of the draft. While he may not be an every-down player, the 205-pounder could add a valuable element to an offense that plans to focus on running the ball.
Harvey has the potential to be one of the biggest steals of the entire draft, and selecting him could be a significant win for Dallas.
Nick Nash, WR, San Jose State
If McMillan is not available for the Cowboys at No. 12, they could consider selecting a wide receiver in the later rounds.
Choosing a receiver on Day 3 suggests they could also add another in free agency, especially if the goal is for the offense to continue performing as it did before Dak Prescott's injury.
While he may not be the biggest name on draft boards, San Jose State wide receiver Nick Nash is a unique talent, and he could be a significant value pick in the later rounds.
Although Nash lacks breakaway speed and has limited agility, which can make him vulnerable against press coverage, he compensates with his toughness, wide catch radius, and exceptional body control.
When you combine these three attributes with his reliable hands, the Cowboys might be getting their next Miles Austin.
The 24-year-old was named a unanimous All-American in 2024 after catching 104 passes for 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns. The former Spartan was a dual-threat quarterback for half of his college career, which could suggest that his ceiling as a wide receiver has yet to be reached.
In Rounds 4-7, teams are looking for players who have what it takes to make an impact early on, and Nash is that guy.
Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma
Before modern NFL linebackers became highly athletic and versatile enough to play anywhere on the field, their primary expectations were to be tough, make significant tackles, and instill fear in opposing teams.
With new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus in place, the former Bears head coach may be looking to revert to a more traditional style by bringing a hard-nosed, true linebacker to Dallas. This is where Oklahoma Sooners standout Danny Stutsman comes into play.
When you total 376 tackles in 47 games, averaging 112.6 tackles over the last three years, it's clear that you are doing something right.
Stutsman employs old-school fundamentals in his pass-rushing techniques, which make him fearless on the field. Although he may not possess top-tier speed to excel in coverage when needed, he can be relied upon to stop the run, and his excellent instincts ensure he is involved in every play.
Stutsman performed well at the combine, and many scouts believe he has the potential to be a consistent contributor as a true "Mike" linebacker in any defensive scheme.
The Cowboys currently have a solid linebacker room that includes Kenneth Murray Jr., Jack Sanborn, and Marist Liufau. DeMarvion Overshown, of course, is also part of this group but could miss the entire 2025 season after suffering a severe knee injury late last year.
While Overshown continues to recover, adding Stutsman provides the Cowboys with excellent depth. Given his talent, Stutsman has the potential to earn playing time over any of the players mentioned as the season progresses.