The 2025 NFL draft is in the books and by all accounts the Dallas Cowboys had a fantastic weekend. No, they weren't able to draft a wide receiver, but that is because they took the top player on their board with all nine of their selections.
With mixed results in the last two years, the Cowboys needed to hit a home run this year. While we won't be able to really grade the class until the players take the field, it is hard not to be thrilled with the talent and overall value Dallas came away with.
The Cowboys are clearly trying to build from the inside out. They used a first-round pick to replace the retired Zack Martin in Alabama guard Tyler Booker, while their second-rounder was used to bolster the pass rush in Boston College defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku.
Some picks, though, sent a louder message to players than others.
3 Cowboys who were sent a message in 2025 NFL Draft
Trevon Diggs
Trevon Diggs likely wouldn't have made this list if Jerry Jones didn't throw him under the bus immediately following the NFL Draft. Jones said verbatim that Diggs, who's currently recovering from bone-graft surgery in his knee, didn't attack his ACL rehab with as much verve as they were hoping for.
While the Cowboys only drafted one cornerback this weekend, it was one of the best pure prospects in the class in Shavon Revel out of East Carolina. Revel is recovering from his own ACL tear, but he's expected to be cleared in time for training camp.
Revel would have been a first round pick if not for the injury. He has the skills and athleticism to become a high-end starter. It is not farfetched to think of Revel and DaRon Bland as the future of Dallas' cornerback room if Diggs struggles post injury.
Mazi Smith
Mazi Smith is entering his third season with Dallas, so it's no surprise he's getting sent messages from the team. A former first-round pick, Smith has not become the run-stuffing nose tackle he was billed as coming out of Michigan.
The Cowboys used two of their Day 3 picks on brany interior defenders: UCLA's Jay Toia, who's 6-3 and 225 pounds and Maryland's Tommy Akingbesote, who's 6-4 and 306 pounds. Regardless of when the picks happened, it speaks volumes that Dallas drafted two nose tackles.
While Smith showed flashes last season, it wasn't enough. His 35.9 PFF run-defense grade ranked 201st out of 219 interior defender. He ranked 42nd at the position with 20 defensive stops. It is put up or shut up time for the 23-year-old.
Sam Wiliams
A second-round pick in 2022, Williams was one of several Cowboys to suffer a torn ACL last season. Williams' injury was especially heartbreaking as he was primed for an increased role following the departures of pass rushers Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler.
Now, Williams reenters the fold needing to produce in a contract year. Despite signing Fowler back during free agency, Dallas added another pass rusher with the No. 44 overall pick in Donovan Ezeiruaku, who could have easily gone off the board in round one.
Ezeiruaku now projects as Micah Parsons' long-term running mate. While Williams has an entire season to prove he deserves a second contract, the fact the Cowboys spent a second-round pick on an EDGE when it wasn't a big need to begin with sends a clear message that Williams could be on a different team this time next year if he doesn't perform.