After two chaotic drafts under Mike McCarthy, where plugging one hole only seemed to create another, the Dallas Cowboys finally showed a new level of discipline and flexibility. This year, instead of scrambling for trades or reaching for players out of desperation, Jerry Jones and his team showed patience, letting the draft unfold naturally. The strategy paid off when Alabama guard Tyler Booker unexpectedly fell to them at No. 12, sparking what might have been a celebration in the Cowboys’ draft room.
Unlike previous years, where drafting felt like a blind guessing game, the Cowboys showed a refreshing calmness. Offensive coordinator Klayton Adams summed it up perfectly during their draft show, noting the absence of panic or forced decisions. Jerry Jones also expressed confidence during the team’s pre-draft press conference, claiming that the Cowboys have become one of the best drafting teams in the NFL because of the detailed preparation that goes into it.
New #Cowboys OC Klayton Adams on the @dallascowboys draft show talked about how impressive their BPA Spotify has been.
“There doesn’t seem to be a lot of reaching in that draft room. There’s no panic.” https://t.co/7b2oHi1gBo
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) April 26, 2025
This measured approach was a clear shift from the past two years, when Dallas prioritized immediate needs over long-term value, leading to risky picks like Mazi Smith and DeMarvion Overshown. While these players showed flashes of talent, they struggled to secure consistent roles, exposing a lack of roster depth and contributing to a disappointing 7–10 season that ultimately weakened McCarthy’s influence over personnel decisions.
Now, with new head coach Brian Schottenheimer working alongside Jerry and Stephen Jones, the focus is sharper. Protecting quarterback Dak Prescott was a clear priority, and Booker’s arrival answered a major concern on the offensive line. Schottenheimer praised Booker as a physical, dominant player ready to fill the void left by veteran Zack Martin. Stephen Jones was even more direct, declaring that Booker would immediately start. This wasn’t a gamble — it was a clear, confident move.
But the Cowboys didn’t stop there. They also selected East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., once considered a potential first-rounder, with the 76th pick. Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku was picked at No. 44. It seemed like, for once, Dallas was genuinely committed to taking the best players available instead of overreacting to short-term needs.
Beyond the draft picks, the Cowboys’ strategy reflects a deeper recognition of their flaws — particularly in the running game. Last season, the Cowboys’ rushing attack was serviceable but far from intimidating. Rico Dowdle posted over 1,000 yards but scored only two touchdowns, highlighting the offense’s lack of explosiveness. The team averaged four yards per carry, which seems decent until you realize the defense gave up an embarrassing 4.8 yards per rush attempt.
Klayton Adams didn’t mince words when talking about the need for a more aggressive, dominant run game, pointing out that creating big plays on the ground sets up big plays through the air. He described a weak run defense as a “disease” that affects the whole team.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys are preparing to continue building during Day 3 of the draft, where they traditionally find hidden gems. They are targeting value running backs like Devin Neal, Jordan James, or Bhayshul Tuten — players who might not be flashy but could bring toughness and power to the ground game.
Ultimately, this draft class represents more than just new names on the roster. It signals a new identity for the Cowboys — one built on physical dominance, smart drafting, and long-term planning. Jerry Jones is rolling the dice again, but this time, it feels like the odds might finally be in his favor.