As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on the Dallas Cowboys and how they will use their selections to strengthen their roster. ESPN’s renowned draft analyst, Mel Kiper Jr., has released his latest NFL Draft Big Board, providing insight into which prospects could be on the Cowboys’ radar. Kiper’s expertise offers a glimpse into the positions where the Cowboys are most likely to target, helping to shape the conversation around the team’s draft s
trategy.
Kiper’s Big Board: A Focus on Defense and Playmakers
For the Cowboys, who are coming off another playoff appearance with a solid but imperfect roster, the 2025 draft is an opportunity to fill some key gaps and build for the future. In his latest analysis, Kiper highlighted several areas of need for Dallas, with a particular emphasis on bolstering the defense and adding dynamic playmakers to an already talented offensive core.
Let’s take a look at the top draft targets for the Cowboys based on Kiper’s most recent NFL Draft Big Board.
1. Defensive Line – Jalen Carter (Georgia)
Jalen Carter, the standout defensive tackle from Georgia, is arguably one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. According to Kiper, Carter is a perfect fit for the Cowboys’ defense, which has been solid but could use an infusion of youth and power in the trenches. With his ability to disrupt the quarterback and clog running lanes, Carter could be an immediate difference-maker for a Dallas defense that has shown flashes of brilliance but sometimes struggles with consistency.
“If the Cowboys are in position to grab Carter, they should absolutely do it,” Kiper wrote. “He’s a game-wrecker and could be the centerpiece of that defensive line for years to come.”
Carter’s blend of size, strength, and athleticism makes him one of the most dominant defensive prospects in recent memory. His potential to anchor the Cowboys’ defensive front could be a key factor in Dallas’ continued pursuit of Super Bowl contention.
2. Wide Receiver – Quentin Johnston (TCU)
While the Cowboys have a solid receiving core featuring CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, the need for another explosive playmaker on offense remains a priority. Mel Kiper sees TCU’s Quentin Johnston as a prime target for Dallas, praising his size, speed, and playmaking ability. Standing at 6’4″, Johnston offers a dangerous downfield threat with the ability to stretch defenses and create mismatches.
“Johnston is the kind of wide receiver that can immediately add a new dimension to an offense,” Kiper noted. “His ability to win contested catches and provide a big-play threat downfield could give Dak Prescott an additional weapon to help take the Cowboys’ offense to the next level.”
The Cowboys have occasionally struggled to balance the passing game, especially when defenses key in on Lamb. Adding a dynamic wide receiver like Johnston would provide Prescott with a reliable deep threat and further open up the offense.
3. Cornerback – Kelee Ringo (Georgia)
With the Cowboys’ defense still needing to improve in the secondary, Mel Kiper has highlighted Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo as a potential draft target. Ringo is an athletic and versatile corner who excels in both man-to-man coverage and zone schemes. With Trevon Diggs already one of the league’s top cornerbacks, pairing him with a talented rookie like Ringo could give Dallas one of the most formidable cornerback duos in the NFL.
“Kelee Ringo has the size and athleticism to thrive in the NFL, and his ability to lock down top receivers makes him a perfect complement to Diggs,” Kiper said. “If the Cowboys want to take their defense to the next level, adding Ringo would help solidify their secondary.”
With the increasing importance of passing games in the modern NFL, adding a talented corner like Ringo could help Dallas shut down high-powered offenses and secure key victories in the postseason.
4. Offensive Tackle – Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio State)
With questions still surrounding the Cowboys’ offensive line, particularly at the tackle position, Mel Kiper has pointed to Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. as a top prospect that could be the answer for Dallas. Johnson is a polished offensive tackle who has shown the ability to dominate both in the run game and as a pass blocker. The Cowboys’ offensive line, while still talented, has seen some inconsistency in recent seasons, and a young, reliable tackle like Johnson could help stabilize the group.
“The Cowboys have one of the best offensive lines in the league, but adding a player like Johnson would ensure they stay at the top,” Kiper explained. “He has all the tools to be a day-one starter and could provide long-term stability for Dak Prescott.”
Securing a reliable tackle would not only protect Prescott but also open up lanes for running back Tony Pollard, keeping the Cowboys’ offense balanced and effective.
5. Linebacker – Drew Sanders (Arkansas)
The linebacker position is another area where the Cowboys could use a boost, and Kiper has listed Arkansas’ Drew Sanders as a top target for Dallas. Sanders is an athletic and explosive linebacker who can be a playmaker both in coverage and against the run. With veterans like Leighton Vander Esch and Micah Parsons leading the charge, Sanders would provide depth and additional speed to a linebacking corps that is already among the best in the NFL.
“Sanders has the tools to become a dynamic linebacker in the NFL,” Kiper said. “The Cowboys love to play fast and aggressive, and Sanders fits that mold perfectly. He could be a nice addition to an already strong defense.”
Conclusion: What’s Next for the Cowboys?
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, the Cowboys have a number of options to consider with their draft picks. Mel Kiper’s Big Board has highlighted several key areas where the team could look to strengthen, from the defensive line to wide receiver, cornerback, offensive tackle, and linebacker. The Cowboys’ front office will have to balance these needs while also evaluating the best available talent on the board.
For Dallas, the draft presents an opportunity to address areas of weakness while building on the foundation of a team that is already a perennial contender. With the right picks, the Cowboys could be poised for a Super Bowl run in the near future.
As always, the NFL Draft will bring plenty of surprises, but with Mel Kiper’s insights guiding the conversation, the Cowboys’ draft decisions will certainly be a topic of discussion leading up to April. Fans will be eagerly watching to see which prospects Jerry Jones and the Cowboys decide to target as they look to shape their roster for the 2025 season and beyond.
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