Cowboys pass on Ashton Jeanty to repeat grave mistake in 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The Dallas Cowboys should probably lose the phone numbers of anyone associated with the University of Michigan. In the last decade, the Cowboys have spent multiple high-end picks on players who came from the maize and blue. The misses far outweigh the hits like Jourdan Lewis.

The Cowboys have spent first-round picks on a pair of Wolverines defensive linemen in Taco Charlton in 2017 and Mazi Smith in 2023. One of them was a tremendous flop, and the other is heading in that direction. The second-round choice on tight end Luke Schoonmaker is looking like just much of a miss.

The Cowboys need serious defensive line help, and the Wolverines have two high-end prospects in defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant that are widely regarded as the two best prospects in this class. Could the Cowboys once again look to Ann Arbor as they try to find their next defensive star.

The latest mock draft from ESPN's Matt Miller has the Cowboys picking Graham. Even at a time when unfounded, puzzling Shedeur Sanders rumors are running wild next to the Ashton Jeanty speculation, Graham might be the best pick for the Cowboys when it comes to fixing the team's big issues.

Cowboys draft Michigan DT Mason Graham in 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Graham has just nine sacks in three seasons with Michigan, which could call into question his upside as a pass rusher. Even if he never becomes Aaron Donald as a pass rusher, Graham is worth picking this high due to his ability to stop the run.

Quicker than Smith and more capable of shedding blocks against NFL-caliber offensive linemen, Graham is a more refined version of what Smith was supposed to be. In a draft that is widely regarded as much deeper and more talented on the defensive side of the ball, Graham may be the best prospect on that side of the ball not named Travis Hunter.

The Cowboys certainly don't have a veteran presence that is holding down a starting spot in front of Graham. He will play right away, shutting down running lanes while gradually working with whoever ends up coaching him to improve upon his flaws.

By the end of his first season, Graham could end up becoming a high-end starter. All that the Cowboys need to do is give him a developmental plan for success and not let him die on the vine like Smith.

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