Cowboys 7-round mock draft: Dallas lands WR Matthew Golden, double dips at RB
The Dallas Cowboys' streak of three consecutive 12-5 seasons ended in 2024, as the team stumbled to a 7-10 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020. That led to some major organizational changes.
Out went head coach Mike McCarthy after five seasons and just one playoff win. Brian Schottenheimer, who served as Dallas' offensive coordinator the previous two seasons, was hired to replace the veteran head coach in a move that surprised NFL fans and analysts alike.
The Cowboys didn't make many major moves in free agency, save for giving defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa a four-year, $80 million extension. Dallas made some depth signings but did little to significantly upgrade its roster.
The Cowboys will now be tasked with finding more plug-and-play starters in the 2025 NFL draft. They will need to find some offensive playmakers to support Dak Prescott, add offensive line depth to help replace the retired Zack Martin and get some defensive insurance for oft-injured starters that may not be ready for the start of the 2025 NFL season.
Here's a look at what the Cowboys could do with their 10 selections in the 2025 NFL draft.
Dallas Cowboys 7-round mock draft
Round 1, Pick 12: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Cowboys need to add playmakers on offense. They need a No. 1 running back and a No. 2 receiver across from CeeDee Lamb, but grabbing a receiver like Golden here seems preferable given the strong depth of the 2025 running back class.
Golden ran the fastest 40-yard dash among receivers at the 2025 NFL combine (4.29 seconds) and is coming off a career-best 58 catches, 987 yards and nine touchdowns in his lone season at Texas. He would add some much-needed speed to Dallas' receiver room and his separation skills should make him an impact playmaker quickly at the NFL level.
Round 2, Pick 44: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Cowboys could target a running back like TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins or Kaleb Johnson here, but they could also wait to draft a running back in a deep class. Dallas also needs to find a consistent starter across from Micah Parsons, and Scourton is a great value at this point.
Scourton had five sacks in his lone season with the Aggies but had 10 during his sophomore season at Purdue. He won't turn 21 until August and already has a well-developed pass-rushing arsenal. Dallas should be intrigued by his raw star potential so he will be in the mix for this pick if he slips out of the first round.
Round 3, Pick 76: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Trevon Diggs has endured injury issues throughout his career. The Cowboys aren't going to move on from him, but they need some depth behind him since he hasn't played a full season since 2022. They also lost Jourdan Lewis in free agency, so they are in the market for a nickel back.
Burke allowed a passer rating of 95.4 last season but limited opposing receivers to 67.8 in 2023. He was a four-year starter at Ohio State. His combination of experience and smooth coverage abilities should allow him to become a solid starting cornerback at the NFL level quickly.
Round 5, Pick 149: Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
The Cowboys signed Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency, but neither veteran is a proven No. 1 back at this stage in their respective careers. Neal – 22 in August – has more upside after posting three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons at Kansas and averaging 211 carries, 1,274 yards and 16 touchdowns over his final two campaigns.
Neal has very good vision and is a smooth runner. At 5-11, 208 pounds, he is built to handle a starter's workload in the NFL. He might not have the top-end burst needed to be a game-breaking playmaker, but he can certainly be a strong part of a good one-two punch at the position.
Round 5, Pick 174: Miles Frazier, G, LSU
Zack Martin retired during the offseason after a Hall of Fame career. The Cowboys may be willing to trust Brock Hoffman to start in his place next season, but adding competition for the 25-year-old wouldn't be a bad move.
Frazier (6-6, 317 pounds) is a mauling guard who started for four seasons at LSU. His play strength should allow him to challenge for a starting job right away. Like Neal, he could provide a boost to Dallas' running game.
Round 6, Pick 204: Nazir Stackhouse, DT, Georgia
The Cowboys don't just need to improve their offensive running game. Their defense ranked second-worst in EPA against the run last season. Adding a big-bodied run stuffer to rotate in with Mazi Smith and Odighizuwa would make a big difference in that area.
That's precisely what Stackhouse is. The 6-4, 327-pound tackle clogged up running lanes thanks to his size and power, which opened up lanes where his defensive teammates made plays. Stackhouse had just three sacks over his five seasons at Georgia, but he profiles as a great two-down run stuffer at the NFL level.
Round 6, Pick 211: Carson Vinson, OT, Alabama A&M
The Cowboys could use a developmental swing tackle behind Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele. Vinson is a high-upside candidate thanks to his great size (6-7, 314 pounds).
Vinson will need time to get stronger at the next level and adjust to the elevated competition, but Dallas can afford to take a project player with one of its many Day 3 draft picks.
Round 7, Pick 217: Raheim Sanders, RB, South Carolina
Could Dallas double-dip at running back? It's possible, especially considering the depth of the 2025 class.
Sanders is another physical runner with good speed (4.46 40-yard dash) that helped earn him the nickname "Rocket." The 6-0, 217-pound back was a great downhill threat across his four seasons at Arkansas and South Carolina and could create a punishing rotation alongside Neal.
Round 7, Pick 239: Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State
DeMarvion Overshown suffered a significant knee injury in December when he tore his ACL, MCL and PCL. He may not be ready for the start of the season, so the Cowboys may want to invest in depth and competition at linebacker even after acquiring Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Sanborn during the offseason.
Simon enjoyed a breakout senior season during which he recorded 112 tackles, 13 TFL and seven sacks while serving as a leader for Ohio State's defense. He has good instincts and should at least be able to carve out a role as a backup linebacker and special teamer at the professional level.
Round 7, Pick 247: Thomas Fidone, TE, Nebraska
The Cowboys have two good tight ends in Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker, but Ferguson is a free agent after the 2025 season. As such, Dallas could consider adding depth to its tight end room, and Fidone is a good value at this point.
Fidone averaged 10.4 yards per reception during his career at Nebraska and has solid speed and contested catch abilities. He should be an occasional vertical playmaker at the NFL level and has the technique needed to emerge as a quality blocker once he adds more strength to his 6-5, 243-pound frame.
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