The Dallas Cowboys head into the 2025 season looking to rebound from a 7-10 finish under Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer. In response, the team has reshaped its roster through a combination of strategic acquisitions, internal adjustments, and a draft class that has drawn widespread praise from analysts.
Despite these efforts, questions remain about whether the changes are enough to return Dallas to the league’s upper tier and position them as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The organization has stressed a relentless approach to roster building—adding talent “24/7, 365″—signaling that personnel moves will continue. Notable shifts this offseason include a retooled running back group and a strong draft that has injected fresh optimism into the franchise.
A Dominant Draft Performance in Cowboys Offseason
The Dallas Cowboys executed a highly successful NFL Draft performance, described as one of the best in recent memory. Among all NFL teams, few managed to match Dallas in terms of both strategic execution and value-driven picks.
This performance earned the Cowboys an A+ grade from Pro Football Focus, making them one of only three teams to receive this top mark. Their approach focused on addressing key roster weaknesses while prioritizing players who were ranked higher on their internal board than their NFL draft position. The team ultimately selected nine players during the draft.
Key Draft Selections and Value
Dallas secured several players who were graded significantly higher than where they were picked, turning them into premier value selections. Their first three picks included Tyler Booker at No. 12, Donovan Ezeiruaku at No. 44, and Shavon Revel Jr. at No. 76.
These players contributed to a draft class that analysts project could feature four starters. The team continued this strategy throughout Day 3, targeting the best player available at valuable positions.
Top Value Selections
The Cowboys’ ability to select players like Booker, Ezeiruaku, and Revel Jr. later than expected provided significant value, boosting the overall strength of their draft haul. These players, graded higher than their draft positions, contributed to the positive assessment of Dallas’s draft performance. This approach allowed the team to add high-caliber talent across different positions.
Overall Draft Grade
The exceptional performance in the draft culminated in the Dallas Cowboys receiving an A+ grade from Pro Football Focus, a recognition shared by only two other teams. This grade highlights the perceived success and potential impact of their 2025 draft class. It suggests that analysts view their selections as having significantly improved the roster.
Addressing Roster Needs
A primary objective of the Cowboys’ offseason strategy, particularly through the draft, was to address key roster voids. The team focused on bolstering positions such as running back, offensive line, cornerback, and defensive line. By targeting these areas, Dallas aimed to build depth and find potential starters.
The selection of players at these positions was crucial following the 7-10 finish in the previous season. The draft provided opportunities to fill gaps that were not addressed in free agency.
The Evolving Running Back Room
One of the most significant areas of change this offseason has been the running back position. After Rico Dowdle, who rushed for 1,000 yards in 2024, signed elsewhere in free agency, the Cowboys initially signed veteran running backs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders as insurance. However, the team subsequently drafted two running backs, Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. This created a four-man competition for playing time and potentially a starting role heading into training camp.
Veterans vs. Rookies
The addition of draft picks Blue and Mafah complicates the outlook for veterans Williams and Sanders. Williams ran for 513 yards in Denver in 2024, showing regression from his 2021 rookie campaign. Sanders, a former Super Bowl starter, averaged only 318 yards per season in his two recent years with the Carolina Panthers. The competition pits the experienced veterans, motivated to regain form, against the potential and enthusiasm of the rookie draft picks.
Schottenheimer’s Outlook
Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed optimism regarding the drafted running backs, noting their physicality and mentality. When asked if either Blue or Mafah could become the starter, Schottenheimer stated that he would hope so, implying that their potential for a starting role was part of the reason they were drafted. This indicates that the rookie running backs are seen as legitimate contenders for significant roles, presenting a “brutal reality check” for the veteran additions.
Player Development and Strategic Moves
Beyond the draft, the Cowboys have made other strategic roster moves. Defensive tackle Denzel Daxon was utilized under the league’s international exemption for the second consecutive season, allowing the team to carry an extra player.
Additionally, wide receiver KaVontae Turpin’s role is expected to expand. Coach Schottenheimer plans to use Turpin more on offense in 2025, building on his usage as a receiver and running back late in the 2024 season. Turpin, who signed a three-year deal worth up to $18 million, was a first-team All-Pro as a return specialist in 2024, recording both a kickoff and punt return for a touchdown. Schottenheimer praised Turpin’s growth and versatility, stating there is “nothing he can’t do”.
Looking Ahead: Roster Gaps and Playoff Aspirations
Despite a strong draft performance and other strategic moves, the Cowboys still have work to do to catch the NFL elite. While the draft addressed many needs, the team still needs to find a suitable running mate to alleviate pressure on CeeDee Lamb at receiver.
Rotations at running back, defensive line, and receiver will need to be determined through training camp. The team’s success will also rely on timely recoveries from injured stars such as Trevon Diggs and DeMarvion Overshown.
Competing in the NFC East is also challenging; the Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl champions, and the Washington Commanders reached the conference championship with rookie Jayden Daniels.
While the Giants improved, Dallas aims to make up ground within the division. Although they may be one puzzle piece away, the Cowboys are expected to be equipped to achieve a double-digit win season, a standard they met just a few years ago.
The offseason moves, particularly the draft, have made teams around the league begin to worry about Dallas again.
