Most of Cowboys Nation walked away from the 2025 NFL Draft feeling cautiously optimistic. Despite finishing with a disappointing 7-10 record last season, the Dallas Cowboys seem to have landed several promising prospects who could help new head coach Brian Schottenheimer turn things around.
But fans haven’t overlooked the elephant in the room — Dallas didn’t draft a wide receiver. Heading into the draft, WR2 was a clear need alongside star CeeDee Lamb. The Cowboys’ plans were upended when the Carolina Panthers grabbed Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 8 overall pick. With the board shuffled, Dallas pivoted to Alabama guard Tyler Booker in the first round.
Now, fans are speculating about veteran additions, via trade or free agency, with names like George Pickens, Xavier Legette, and Amari Cooper making the rounds. But while Cowboys fans worry, NFL executives seem far less concerned.
“I don’t know why everyone wants them to take a receiver so bad when they have one they are paying $34 million a year,” one exec told The Athletic’s Mike Sando. “There are always wideouts out there, and you have a guy that demands coverage.”
Another executive praised Booker as “the best guard in the draft,” while a third added, “Booker is huge, and he can knock people back, but he does run out of gas some.”
Character and Speed Define Cowboys’ Draft Strategy
Beyond physical talent, Dallas seemed focused on high-character leaders. Both Booker and second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku, an edge rusher from Boston College, served as team captains in college.
And the upside? Tremendous.
“They get a pass rusher opposite Micah Parsons who can actually win with speed,” said one exec. “Their pass rush is going to be a pain in the ass to deal with.”
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Cowboys Late-Round Steal: Shavon Revel Jr.
Third-round pick Shavon Revel Jr. also drew praise. The East Carolina cornerback missed most of the 2024 season with a torn ACL but still made waves.
“We liked the corner they took,” said one executive. “He can change the angle of the ball arriving, like Seattle used to do with those taller corners.”
Another insider believed Revel might’ve gone in the first round if healthy.
A Top-Heavy Haul
According to draft expert Dane Brugler, Booker, Ezeiruaku, and Revel all ranked within the top 7 at their positions in “The Beast.” In total, six of the Cowboys’ nine picks were top-20 talents at their spots. Only one — seventh-round DT Tommy Akingbesote — fell outside the top 25.
So yes, Dallas still needs a second wide receiver. But panic? That’s not on the table — especially after one of the highest-graded draft classes in the league.
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