Cowboys news: Wide receiver, running back seen as most immediate impact positions for team to target in first round
All the Cowboys news that’s fit to print.
3 first-round draft options that would immediately help the Cowboys - Mario Herrera Jr., Inside The Star
The Cowboys need to count on their first-round pick being a difference-maker early, with a clear need for talent at wide receiver.
The Cowboys have multiple areas of need and could go in several directions, with three intriguing prospects emerging as potential targets at the 12th overall selection.
Each of these players could help address specific weaknesses or bolster an already impressive roster. Let’s take a deeper look at why they are all strong options for Dallas.
WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
One of the most talked-about players in the 2025 draft class is wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, a dynamic playmaker who has the tools to become an immediate contributor at the next level.
The Cowboys’ offense is led by quarterback Dak Prescott and features star playmakers like CeeDee Lamb.
However, the team could use another elite receiving option to complement Lamb, especially in the passing game’s vertical aspect. McMillan is the type of receiver who can provide just that.
At 6’4” and 215 pounds, McMillan has the size and strength to win contested catches while also possessing exceptional speed to stretch the field.
His ability to make big plays down the field will give Prescott a reliable deep threat, creating space for Lamb to operate more freely.
McMillan also excels in route running and has displayed impressive consistency in making difficult catches in college, suggesting he has the potential to step in and contribute immediately as a top-tier receiver in the NFL.
Dallas Cowboys legend campaigns for Ashton Jeanty in NFL Draft - Josh Sanchez, Sports Illustrated
Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin is in favor of the Cowboys drafting a running back 12th overall compared to another receiver.
Jeanty has expressed his desire to be a Dallas Cowboys, and if he is available when the team is on the clock, one Cowboys legend believes the team should make him the pick.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin recently discussed the Cowboys options and went with Jeanty of Texas Longhorns star Matthew Golden.
#Cowboys legend Michael Irvin shares his thoughts on who Dallas should pick at No. 12 if it’s between Ashton Jeanty and Matthew Golden.
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) March 24, 2025
( : @UpAndAdamsShow) pic.twitter.com/G8AA93bj5v
Of course, there is a good chance Jeanty will be off the board when the Cowboys’ pick comes around.
This past season, Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns, averaging a whopping 7.0 yards per carry. Throughout his collegiate career, Jeanty has rushed for 4,769 yards and 50 touchdowns while adding 862 yards and six scores receiving.
It will be interesting to see what direction the Cowboys go in the draft, but all signs are pointing to the team addressing running back or wide receiver.
Taking a look at the 5 best NFL free agents available, it’s clear the Dallas Cowboys should make more signings before it’s too late - Mauricio Rodriguez, A to Z Sports
The NFL Draft doesn’t have to be the next chance for the Cowboys to add to their roster, with free agents still on the market that can help.
DL Calais Campbell
Does it make sense: Yes but Dallas has made its bet.
The versatile defensive lineman has yet to be slowed down by age as he put on a great 2024 NFL season in Miami. I’d love the Cowboys to target Campbell but they’ve already added multiple defensive linemen and I’d be surprised if they target the veteran at this point. However, him being 39 years old is likely going to make him cheap. I wouldn’t hesitate to strike a deal.
CB Asante Samuel Jr.
Does it make sense? Yes but...
The Cowboys badly need cornerback help after losing Jourdan Lewis in free agency but I’m not sure Matt Eberflus’ scheme fits Samuel Jr., who is considered a zone specialist. But need combined with potential bargain status due to a shoulder injury could be enough to entice Dallas.
Samuel Jr. is only 25 years old and has played well in his career, which makes me think he’ll be just out of the team’s price range.
Examining how the Cowboys roster looks after the first two weeks of free agency - Dan Rogers, Blogging The Boys
The Cowboys needs at RB and WR may get all of the attention between now and April, but it shouldn’t distract from other pressing needs elsewhere.
QUARTERBACK
Need: A backup QB
Initial prediction: Re-sign Cooper Rush and draft a late-round rookie
They say you don’t appreciate someone until they’re gone and that could ring true for Cooper Rush as he signed with Baltimore, leaving a huge hole at the backup QB position. With no remaining desirable free agent, this puts a lot of pressure on finding a quarterback late in the draft or else they’ll be putting all their faith into Will Grier.
CORNERBACK
Need: Get help now, get help later
Initial prediction: Re-sign Jourdan Lewis and draft a top collegiate corner by round two
The Cowboys cornerback room is a big enigma that got more puzzling after Lewis left in free agency. Lewis’ price tag was a bit steep, so the front office was smart to let him walk, but it still left them with questions. The team acquired former first-round pick Kaiir Elam from Buffalo, but we’ve seen them trade for underachieving corners before (Noah Igbinoghene and Andrew Booth), so expectations are tempered. The Cowboys still have some depth as players like Caelen Carson and Josh Butler are on the team, but they should look for young talent in next month’s draft.
Next Man Up: Marist Liufau prepped for big leap in Year 2 for Cowboys - Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com
As always, the Cowboys are counting on homegrown players to take the next step, with linebacker Marist Liufau being one of the most exciting.
Liufau racked up 50 combined tackles in only nine starts, and it’s key to note his two forced fumbles were produced in only 521 defensive snaps.
For perspective, Kendricks led the team with three forced fumbles, though it took him 920 defensive snaps to get there and Donovan Wilson, who had two of his own, achieved it in 1,010 defensive snaps — as Liufau laid the groundwork for what might come in Year 2 and beyond.
The Present: This time around, Sanborn effectively serves as this year’s version of Kendricks (for Eberflus’ system) and Murray is hoping to become “the man in the middle”, but it’s also true that, in the absence of Overshown due to injury, the former Notre Dame standout showed he’s a playmaker with an exceptional football IQ. Don’t look for Liufau to be displaced by the signing of two veterans, having shown he can serve as the green dot in an offense — as a rookie, no less — something that will only get better and more proficient with time.
Eberflus is known for how he can get the best out of linebackers throughout his coaching career and Liufau (and Overshown, when he returns) are set to be the superstar tandem at linebacker for the Cowboys. It doesn’t matter which of the three roles Liufau lines up in, though, because he’ll likely excel in any spot.
The Future: And that’s where this summer will be interesting, i.e., where’s Liufau? Will Eberflus see him as the true green dot based upon his rookie tape under Zimmer, or will the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator opt to try Murray’s hand at the MIKE (middle LB) first?
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