The 2025 NFL Draft has arrived, and all 32 teams are looking to bolster their rosters, especially through first-round picks, which typically have the most immediate impact. The Dallas Cowboys enter the draft with ten picks, including the 12th overall selection. Expectations are high for the team to make a move that could shape the future of the franchise.
Jeanty, Burden Fade as McMillan and Golden Emerge; Trade Options on the Table
Initially, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty was considered a top candidate for the Cowboys’ first-round pick, but projections suggest he’ll be off the board before No. 12. Similarly, wide receiver Luther Burden was a strong option, but has since been overshadowed by Tetairoa McMillan and Matthew Golden, who have emerged as frontrunners in recent predictions.
Cowboys Face Crucial Draft Decisions as McMillan, Golden Rise and Trade Scenarios Gain TractionAnother potential draft strategy for the Cowboys involves trading, either moving up or down in the first round. Moving up could secure a star player but would require sacrificing valuable draft capital. Conversely, trading down risks losing a key prospect but offers the benefit of acquiring more picks, giving the team additional flexibility.
Fans Prefer Trading Down, Wary of Costly Move Up in First Round
In a recent fan poll, the majority of Cowboys supporters favored the idea of trading down from the 12th pick. While a notable portion still supports staying at 12 and making a selection, very few fans support trading up due to the high cost associated with such a move, particularly if it means reaching as high as the fifth pick.
A national survey on potential picks for the fifth overall spot—currently held by the Jaguars—showed Mason Graham as the top choice. However, Jeanty and McMillan also received significant support, with 20% and 16% of the vote, respectively. If these players, including Matthew Golden, are taken earlier than expected, it could disrupt the Cowboys’ plans to land a top-tier wide receiver.
