It is markedly more difficult to pinpoint what direction the Dallas Cowboys go in the 2025 NFL Draft relative to last year.
It seemed obvious early in the draft process that Dallas would emphasize the offensive line after they made the difficult decision to move on from Tyron Smith. Sure enough, they selected Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton No. 29 overall before taking Kansas State guard Cooper Beebe in round three.
This year is a much different story.
While the expectation is the Cowboys will target a wide receiver at No. 12 overall, cornerback, offensive line and edge rusher are also part of the equation. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. is adamant that UNC running back Omarion Hampton is in the mix. The team can go in a multitude of directions.
With draft night right around the corner, team EVP Stephen Jones appeared on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday and offered some insight into Dallas' plans.
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones reveals major tidbit about Dallas' draft plans
Jones was specifically asked about making a trade during the draft.
“I don’t necessarily see us moving up based on way the board is coming together but could see a situation where we move down," Jones said, via ESPN's Todd Archer.
That is amazing to hear on two fronts.
First, it is encouraging that Jones does not want to move up the board. Unless Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter or Mason Graham were to slide to within striking distance, there is not a single player worth trading up for in this class. The odds of any of those studs sliding are microscopic.
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Second, trading down might be Dallas' most optimal option in round one. Unless Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan is available, it would be smart to move down a couple picks, especially if the war room has tunnel vision for Texas wideout Matthew Golden.
Depending on the trade partner, the Cowboys should be able to net an extra Day 2 pick, potentially as high as a second-rounder if they move back far enough. The Cardinals, who have the No. 16 pick, the Bengals, who sit at No. 17 and the Seahawks, who have No. 18, all fit that bill.
Having four picks in the top 75 would allow Dallas to address all of their biggest needs - receiver, cornerback, running back and nose tackle - before they go a whopping 79 selections between picks in rounds three and five.
Trading down worked wonders for Jones last year, as they moved from No. 24 to No. 29 and still drafted Guyton, who was seemingly their top target all along. The acquired third-round pick was used on Beebe, who was among the most impressive rookie lineman last season.
It should absolutely be in play again this year.