NFL free agency is right around the corner. With the Eagles fresh off hoisting the Lombardi Trophy after putting the pedal to the metal last March, the Dallas Cowboys hopefully won't be bystanders in the first and second waves.
The Cowboys have long championed building their roster through the draft and filling the remaining holes in the final waves of free agency when all the marquee talents have found new homes. That simply is not possible this offseason with how leaky the roster is.
READ MORE: Kellen Moore wastes no time hiring former Cowboys coach to Saints staff
That obviously isn't to deemphasize the draft. There is markedly more pressure than in recent years for Dallas to hit on its early selections. With mock draft season running rampant, let's dive into a three-round mock featuring a first-round trade back.
Cowboys do Micah Parsons big favor in 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Trade: Cowboys trade picks No. 12 and No. 149 to Seattle for picks No. 18 and No. 82
Round 1, Pick 18: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
Stewart is one of the best athletes in this class, but he's arguably the most polarizing prospect as well. Per Marcus Mosher of the 33rd Team, Stewart will have the lowest tackle for loss production for any edge rusher since the turn of the century if he's drafted in round one.
Normally, a lack of college production translates to poor production in the NFL. If there was ever a prospect to gamble on in spite of that, though, it's Stewart.
A towering 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Stewart is projected to run a 4.6 40-yard dash. His ability to convert power to speed is elite. He has the length and power to throw offensive tackles off balance and his 99th percentile PFF run-defense grade in 2024 shows his awareness, nose for the ball and ability to pursue ball-carriers sideline to sideline.
With DeMarcus Lawrence, Chauncey Golston and Carl Lawson all set to hit free agency, and Sam Williams coming off a torn ACL, pass rusher is a massive need. Pairing Stewart across from Micah Parsons would give Dallas of the best EDGE presences in football.
Round 2, Pick 44: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Without a pick in the fourth round, the Cowboys have to come out of the first three rounds with a running back. Johnson is so highly regarded as a prospect there's a chance he doesn't make it to pick No. 44. If he does, Dallas should run to the podium.
The general consensus is that Johnson is best suited in a zone running scheme. Well, offensive coordinator Klayton Adams is among the best run-game designers in the NFL. Johnson has the patience, decisiveness and vision to flourish in any offense.
Johnson ranked fifth in the country with 1,060 rushing yards after contact this season. Only projected first-round pick Ashton Jeanty averaged more yards after contact per carry than the former Hawkeye.
Johnson's acceleration, contact balance and punishing running style are all conducive to a successful three-down back at the NFL level.
Round 3, Pick 76: Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Cornerback is sneakily one of Dallas' top needs this offseason. So much so that Field Yates' latest mock for ESPN had the Cowboys taking Michigan corner Will Johnson at No. 12 overall. Not only is heartbreat of the secondary Jourdan Lewis a free agent, but Trevon Diggs' knee surgery is expected to keep him out well into the 2025 regular season.
Even if Lewis returns Dallas needs another outside corner to play opposite DaRon Bland. Enter Thomas, who happens to be the brother of Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas.
A smooth operator in press coverage, Thomas uses his 6-foot-2 length to break up passes. He finished last season with five PBUs and zero touchdowns allowed. His balance and ball skills were on display at the Senior Bow, where he dominated in 1-v-1 drills.
All the tools are there for Thomas to make an instant impact. If his stock continues on its current trajectory, the Cowboys may need to draft him a little higher than pick No. 76.
Round 3: Pick 82: Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon
Speaking of dominating in 1-v-1 drills at the Senior Bowl, Johnson was among the biggest winners down in Mobile.
Teams will ding Johnson for his size, but he creates separation and is a human joystick after the catch. Over the last two seasons, the former Oregon star ranked second in receptions (137) and receiving yards (1,803) out of the slot, as well as first with 19 touchdowns, per Pro Football Focus.
While CeeDee Lamb is also dominant out of the slot, that should not dissuade Dallas from taking Johnson. The last time we checked, having two players who can do damage out of the slot is a great problem to have.
An explosive route-runner, Johnson's ability to accelerate while changing directions will make him a successful receiver in the NFL. And it just so happens that WR2 is one of the Cowboys' biggest needs this offseason, if not the biggest.
Come out of round three with Stewart, Johnson, Thomas and Johnson and Dallas would be cooking with gas in year one of the Brian Schottenheimer Era.
More Cowboys news and analysis
feed