Dream Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys Edition

We're mocking all seven rounds with a dream draft for each NFL franchise. Up first, Dallas.

We’re going to fix the Big D and we do mean Dallas.

Today’s the first edition of our “Dream Mock Draft” series where we take all seven rounds and attempt to fix, or at least very much improve, each NFL franchise.

The roster in Dallas is not an easy remodel despite the existence of franchise quarterback Dak Prescott, star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, an elite pass-rusher in Micah Parsons and a stocked secondary of young talent.

So where do we start?

The offensive line has young pieces waiting to be developed, but also sees veteran Zack Martin hitting free agency this year. Not to mention, PFF didn’t have a single Dallas offensive lineman ranked higher than No. 15 overall at their respective position group. Tackle Tyler Guyton, the team’s first-rounder last year, ranked No. 73 among 81 tackles graded.

The running back, tight end and wide receiver groups need a big time upgrade, too. Rico Dowdle led the team in rushing but is a free agent. Veteran tight end Jake Ferguson regressed in 2024. And there’s no wide receiver threat here outside of Lamb.

And that’s just the offense.

Dallas could lose defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to free agency and have yet to get productive impact from Mazi Smith up-front. The front office could look to make upgrades at defensive end, defensive tackle, linebacker or look at cornerback given the injury to cornerback Trevon Diggs.

Where do we start?

With the No. 12 overall pick in the draft, Dallas has to get it right.

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Round 1, Pick 12

As mentioned above, this is best player available territory. Dallas could legitimately draft any position outside of quarterback in Round 1 and it would make sense from an immediate and future need perspective.

At 12, we expect both Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders to be gone at quarterback, which will push more position-players down the board. As for running back Ashton Jeanty, it’s hard to see him lasting until this pick in the first round.

The Pick: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Drafting a defensive end or a wide receiver might be the sexier pick, but Warren is the best player we believe will be available and he can be an immediate impact. We can look at what Brock Bowers did in Las Vegas last year as a prime example of how a great middle of the field target can pay immediate dividends in the NFL. Warren fills a need, is a great value, and is one of the few players in this class with the talent to be among the best at his pro position within a short amount of time.