The Dallas Cowboys cannot afford to whiff on the No. 12 overall pick in the NFL Draft. While not a strong class compared to previous years, Dallas is primed to select an impact player based on both their draft position and whom they hosted on 30 visits.
Much of the pre-draft buzz suggests the Cowboys want a wide receiver in round one. Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan would be a home run pick at No. 12. That might be a little rich for Texas' Matthew Golden, but the former Longhorn has been mocked to Dallas just as much as McMillan in recent weeks.
Of course, it's not a slam-dunk that WR is the pick in round one.
Depending on how the board falls, the Cowboys could take an offensive lineman, cornerback or another edge rusher. And Ashton Jeanty will be in the mix until he isn't. Those are all huge needs in addition to receiver.
However, cornerback might be difficult to justify following Will Johnson's poor showing at his private workout for NFL teams.
Cowboys need to pass on Michigan CB Will Johnson after poor pre-draft workout
According to draft expert Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Johnson did not run the 40-yard dash at Monday's workout. While Johnson is coming off multiple lower-body injuries, you would have liked to see him run to quell concerns about his health and long speed.
Michigan CB Will Johnson worked out for NFL teams this morning. A few notes from scouts in attendance:
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 14, 2025
- No 40-yard dash
- 37" vertical, 4.33 short shuttle
- Above average during positional drills. "Very smooth."
Speed isn't the name of Johnson's game, but it's an important box to check for cornerbacks, especially ones expected to hear their name called inside top 20.
Brugler also notes that Johnson posted a 37-inch vertical and 4.33 short shuttle. That shuttle time placed in the 13th percentile for cornerbacks, per Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team.
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While Johnson moves well on the field and has exceptional ball skills, teams will have reservations about his health, length (10th percentile arm length), short-area quickness and long speed. He bypassed working out at the Combine and Michigan's Pro Day due to a hamstring injury.
Brugler vehemently believes Johnson will be a solid pro. He's not the only analyst who thinks so. However, the Cowboys have little room for error at No. 12 and Johnson carries too many question marks leading into the draft to make us comfortable taking him that high.
McMillan, again, would be a much safer pick. Following Johnsons' workout, we'd be comfortable taking Golden over the former Wolverine if it comes to that.