Who will be heading to Texas?
Hot off the heels of the HuddleUK Mock Draft, it is time to take a look at some of the prospects that could be kicking off their pro careers with the Cowboys.
In this article I am going to be looking at who the Cowboys may select with their first three draft picks. Those are picks 12, 44 and 76.
Cowboys needs, as I see them, in priority order are IDL, LB, RB, WR, CB and OG.
Round 1, Pick 12: Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
In the HuddleUK Mock Draft when selecting for the Cowboys I passed on Will Johnson in favour of Texas CB Jahdae Barron.
However, as we get closer to the draft, Barron’s stock continues to rise and I do not expect him to be there at #12. The Cowboys instead select Johnson at #12.
I think Jacksonville at #5 hold the key as to how many cornerbacks we see go in the first half in the draft. The Jaguars gave up the most passing yards per game in 2024 and more reinforcements are needed in the secondary. If they select a CB both Barron and Johnson could be off the board.
In an ideal world the Cowboys will get their choice of the remaining CBs. While it does not address their most pressing defensive need, I feel they would be reaching to take a DT at this point.
Johnson offers the size to match up against the bigger receivers in the league and shares some of the ball-hawk traits that Cowboys CBs Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland have displayed to great effect in the last few seasons.
If Johnson is on the board at #12 he is likely the best player available and Dallas should pull the trigger.
Round 2, Pick 44: Cam Skattebo (RB, Arizona State)
Cam Skattebo is my favourite player in the 2025 NFL Draft. His approach to the game makes it easy to fall in love with him. Skattebo runs like each rush is his last and he thrives after first contact.
In 2024, Skattebo showed he can do it all. Rush, catch, throw and even punt. Something tells me that the 49ers at #43 will take him if he is still on the board but I am hopeful he will fall to the Cowboys.
Skattebo has rocketed up draft boards through his 2024 season. As recently as December Skattebo was forecast to be drafted in the seventh round, now it would be a shock if he fell out of the top 50 selections.
Over 2,000 yards from scrimmage, Skattebo went on an absolute tear to finish the season. He led Arizona State to a completely unexpected Big 12 Championship and was the driving force behind a comeback that fell agonisingly short against Texas in the Peach Bowl.
Skattebo finished the season with four consecutive 140+ yard rush games and 11 total touchdowns.
Dallas need a tone setter after letting Rico Dowdle walk in free agency. The combination of Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders will hardly strike fear into opposition defences. Cam Skattebo will.
Round 3, Pick 76: Ozzy Trapilo (OT, Boston College)
I expect the Cowboys to invest a couple of draft picks in some offensive line depth.
In Ozzy Trapilo they can draft a long term replacement for current RT Terrance Steele. Steele has been inconsistent in the last couple of seasons and for the Cowboys to progress they need to turn the offensive line into a strength again.
A switch to right tackle for Trapilo’s last two seasons at Boston College really kick-started his development and have led him to be a likely Day 2 pick in this draft.
At 309lbs there are concerns he may be a little light to play Tackle in the NFL, however he allays this concern through his first step and how strong he is with his hands.
Trapilo may be best sitting his rookie season to learn, and Dallas could be the perfect place to do that. The opportunity to cement a starting role will be there in 2026 and 12-18 months in Dallas to develop will put Trapilo in good stead for a solid NFL career.
