Hindsight is 20-20, right? Decisions should be easier to make with the benefit of future context. But is one season enough time to have a clear picture when it comes to how the Dallas Cowboys selected in the 2025 NFL draft?
Let’s revisit all of the Cowboys’ selections and see, with the benefit of hindsight, if they should’ve stuck with their selection or opted for another choice.
Round 1, Pick 12
Original pick: Alabama RG Tyler Booker
Cowboys
Re-draft selection: Booker
When the Cowboys selected Booker, they believed they selected someone with instant impact ability and also someone who could be a foundational piece for their future. Booker accomplished the first part and appears to be on his way toward the second part, too. Booker would be the first to say he has some things he wants to correct this season, but he more than held his own as a rookie. He also showcased a physical and commanding demeanor that should excite Cowboys fans for his future. If there was another option to consider here, in hindsight, it probably would’ve been Seattle’s Grey Zabel, who was selected six spots later. He helped the Seahawks win a Super Bowl. Still, without knowing how Zabel would fit in, the Cowboys stick with Booker.
Round 2, Pick 44
Original pick: Boston College DE Donovan Ezeiruaku
Re-draft selection: Ezeiruaku
I promise there will be some alternative selections in this story, but for the first two picks we stick with who the Cowboys selected. Ezeiruaku had a solid start to his career in 2025, providing optimism that he could grow into being a quality starting edge. That’s despite Ezeiruaku, an All-American and prolific pass rusher at Boston College, not having a lot of production as a pass rusher. He finished this season with two sacks. It was encouraging to see how Ezeiruaku played against the run, however. If he can grow into being an NFL pass rusher the way he grew as a college edge rusher, then the Cowboys will be thrilled. Two other options the Cowboys could’ve considered in hindsight: Denver Broncos running back R.J. Harvey (60th overall) or Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (47th overall).
Round 3, Pick 76
Original pick: East Carolina CB Shavon Revel
Re-draft selection: Western Kentucky CB Upton Stout
This is tough because I think Revel has a lot of ability. With new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, new defensive passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley and new secondary coach Ryan Smith, there’s a good chance Revel could climb toward the potential that had everyone so excited about him coming out of the draft — especially with a full offseason. I just think there’s more risk compared to the assurance of someone like Stout, who was an instant contributor in San Francisco as the 100th overall pick. The Cowboys have also reiterated that the loss of Jourdan Lewis stung them this season. Stout, with a similar tenacity, would’ve been a great replacement.
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Round 5, Pick 149
Original pick: Texas RB Jaydon Blue
Re-draft selection: Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai
There was a lot of excitement about Blue coming out of Texas. In the final game against the Giants, he showed why, flashing his top-end speed and shiftiness. It took until the final game of the season for Blue to be a factor, however. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer mentioned multiple times that he wanted Blue to improve as a professional during the week if he wanted to play on Sundays. Blue, himself, noted that it was a learning process. Monangai, drafted 233rd overall by Chicago, could’ve immediately been a tough and reliable piece in the backfield.
Round 5, Pick 152
Original pick: Florida LB Shemar James
Re-draft selection: Syracuse TE Oronde Gadsden II
To be fair, no one in the Cowboys’ linebacker corps had a great season. And if everyone struggles, it might be due to another reason rather than one individual. Still, James wasn’t immune to those struggles. He mentioned at the end of the season that he’s excited to attack his first full NFL offseason with the hopes of making the most out of lessons learned. Still, in this case, the vertical ability of Gadsden, taken 165th overall by the Chargers, is too hard to ignore. While starting tight end Jake Ferguson was reliable, he also didn’t stretch the field like he had in years past. Pairing Gadsden with him would’ve been a fun combination.
Round 6, Pick 204
Original pick: Oregon OT Ajani Cornelius
Re-draft selection: Clemson S R.J. Mickens
The Cowboys had a plethora of injuries among their safeties. Mickens, a former Southlake Carroll star selected 214th overall, proved to be a good depth piece for the Chargers. He had two interceptions this past season. Cornelius played in just one game for his rookie season, but could be a depth piece this coming season.
Round 7, Pick 217
Original pick: UCLA DT Jay Toia
Re-draft selection: Oregon WR Tez Johnson
Johnson was productive in college but slipped to 235th overall due to his size and combine speed that didn’t quite match what was seen on film. When called upon, he was productive for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season, finishing with five touchdowns. He’s someone, in hindsight, who could’ve paired well with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Ryan Flournoy. Toia bounced back and forth between being inactive and active this season.
Round 7, Pick 239
Original pick: RB Phil Mafah
Re-draft selection: Arizona RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt
I actually think Mafah has a lot of potential. He played well in the preseason, showing impressive contact balance. He’ll be interesting to watch in training camp this year. Croskey-Merritt, however, proved to be a home-run threat in Washington after being picked 245th overall. Pairing him with Monangai would be a good one-two punch in the future for the Cowboys in this re-draft.
Round 7, Pick 247
Original pick: Maryland DT Tommy Akingbesote
Re-draft selection: Washington State OT Esa Pole
Akingbesote didn’t make the team coming out of training camp. He was also one of the last picks in the draft, making a re-draft selection here tough. This time, we get a swing tackle in Esa Pole, who played games for the Kansas City Chiefs this season after going undrafted.
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