The Dallas Cowboys haven't been as active in free agency as their brand and pedigree would suggest in the last few years, choosing instead to build through the draft. While a prudent approach, that way of thinking has left them in a position where they have their backs against the wall.
They need to hit a grand slam in the 2025 NFL Draft if they want any chance of becoming a viable contender next season. However, in a rare burst of good news, the Cowboys won't have to go that far as they try to build a deep roster on both sides of the ball.
The Cowboys could spend all of their top picks on players from Texas schools, and they could still end up building a very deep roster that puts them on a tangible path back to contention in what is becoming a deep NFC.
Dallas Cowboys All-Texas 3-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Trade! The Cowboys acquired No. 21 overall and No. 52 overall in exchange for No. 12 overall
Round 1, Pick 21: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Stewart has just 4.5 sacks in three seasons at Texas A&M, and fellow Aggies future draft pick Nic Scourton may make a more immediate impact in his first season. Still, Stewart may end up being picked above Scourton in the draft, as he has a tremendous combination of speed, power, and untapped potential.
Stewart's floor is low, as he doesn't have a plan of attack to best use his gifts. If coached properly, however, it is not an exaggeration to say that Stewart could be one of the best edge-setting defensive ends in the NFC fairly soon. Matt Eberflus needs to work his magic with this one in 2025.
Round 2, Pick 44: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
While Tyler Guyton was poor last season, the Cowboys will need to keep trying him as a left tackle to validate the draft selection. Williams may have been overshadowed by Kelvin Banks Jr. in his final year with the Longhorns, but he has such tremendous strength and heavy hands that he should end up as a Top 50 pick himself.
Williams is by no means a finished product technically, but his physical gifts are so rare for a Day 2 player that he is without question worth an investment. Williams could be a quality starter in this league by his second season, but fans will need to be patient with him like they were with Guyton.
Round 2, Pick 52: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
Collins is a one-trick pony at this point in time, but the former 5-star recruit has made a name for himself as a tremendous run-stuffer who is managing to stand out in a very deep defensive tackle class. Collins may not play on passing downs early, but he will be a solid space-eater and playmaker at multiple defensive line alignments.
Collins should start his career off as a rotation player, though the same developmental magic that helped turn Eberflus into a quality defensive coach could be the secret ingredient that awakens Collins' pass rush potential.
Round 3, Pick 76: Savion Williams, WR, TCU
Williams is one of the most unique prospects in this class. Not only is he a 6-5, 225-pound receiver who has great speed on the outside, but he was able to run for six Horned Frogs touchdowns in his role as a part-time wildcat quarterback. As an athlete, he is phenomenal.
Williams carries serious boom-or-bust potential with him, and it would be best for everyone involved if he goes to a very creative offensive mind who can get the most out of him. The best backup plan is joining a high-end quarterback who will give him a good chunk of targets, and Dak Prescott certainly fits that bill.