Cowboys chase upside to atone for poor free agency in 7-round 2025 Mock Draft

Round 5: Emery Jones, OT, LSU

The Cowboys should be encouraged by their offensive line play this season. Inserting two developmental rookies in the same season is supposed to be difficult so all of the bumps of the 2024 season were to be expected. What happened unexpectedly was the rise of Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass. Both players have shown starting ability as interior linemen and both could challenge for starting positions in 2025.

Dallas’ two OTs struggled all year but in this scenario the Cowboys are dedicated to the task and rolling them both back for 2025. It’s risky given the importance of their positions but it’s in the Cowboys nature to sink or swim with situations such as this.

With that said, the Cowboys are open to add an OT prospect this cycle. The top two first round OT prospects fell off the board before they could pick one in Round 1 but this value pick fell into their laps here so they have no qualms pouncing.

Emery Jones, 6-foot-6, 315-pounds, is a prospect who can play either guard or tackle in the NFL. His big frame supports the weight gain needed at the next level and his athletic profile, bend, flexibility, and upper body strength make him a tantalizing OT project to work with.

Seemingly striking out with Josh Ball and Matt Waletzko, the Cowboys haven’t had much luck grooming midround OTs as of late. But the position is so valuable and the stakes are so high they have no choice but to keep trying.

Until he improves his kickstep, Jones will struggle with some speed rushers off the edge. This may sour some but he looks like a younger and more promising version of Steele. This would set the stage for Jones to replace Steele in 2026 (saving the Cowboys millions) and possibly upgrade them in the process. Frankly, Jones feels like a steal in the fifth round even if he’s a project.