1 week Ago By Cowboys Wire
The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2025 NFL Draft with one eye on immediate production and the other on long-term stability. PFF’s Bradley Locker analyzed the current state of each franchise leading into the draft and concedes that the Cowboys have managed to fill out much of their starting lineup, but cracks remain and some are more urgent than others.Following Brandin Cooks’ departure to the New Orleans Saints, Dallas finds itself thin at wide receiver.
CeeDee Lamb stands as the lone proven commodity, and while he’s among the NFL’s elite, the lack of a complementary threat could allow defenses to zero in on him.Lamb was the only returning skill-position player on the roster to earn a receiving grade above 70.5 in 2024, a stat that underscores just how lopsided the Cowboys’ offensive weaponry currently is.
Adding another playmaker out wide isn’t just a want; it’s a must as the team's only addition so far occurred in free agency was the signing of veteran receiver Parris Campbell.The Cowboys’ defense, long a source of team identity under Dan Quinn, took a step back in 2024, particularly against the run. The unit finished 29th in PFF’s run-defense grades and 18th overall, numbers that are out of sync with the expectations of a franchise that was consistently in playoff contention in the three seasons prior.
What’s more, the future of Micah Parsons — the team’s superstar pass rusher and defensive anchor — remains clouded by contract questions. Even if Parsons stays long-term, Dallas needs to reinforce a defensive line that lacks both depth and punch. A fresh injection of youth on the edge and the interior could go a long way toward reviving the front.
Linebacker is another area of concern. DeMarvion Overshown, a promising piece, remains a question mark due to injury. The Cowboys need a reliable young presence at inside linebacker, someone who can contribute now and grow into a long-term role.
DEMARVION OVERSHOWN DID IT ALL HIMSELF ON THE PICK-SIX 😱 Hit the block, tipped the pass, took it to the HOUSE 🤯(via @dallascowboys) pic.twitter.com/ng4Vu3bEBS— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 28, 2024Back on offense, the Cowboys also have some longer-term offensive concerns beyond receiver.
Running back is one, the current committee approach is a short-term fix, and adding a dynamic, every-down back could stabilize the position moving forward.On the offensive line, guard is a subtle but critical need. With several linemen on short-term contracts and aging veterans manning the interior, Dallas would be wise to invest in a developmental guard who can be groomed into a starter.
For a team with playoff aspirations, the Cowboys’ 2025 draft must balance filling immediate holes with building toward a more sustainable core. Wide receiver is likely to be a priority on Day 1 or 2, but don’t be surprised if Dallas double-dips at positions like DL, EDGE, and LB across the draft weekend.Owner Jerry Jones and the front office have a reputation for swinging big, but this year, Dallas might benefit from a more foundational approach, focusing on trench play, defensive depth, and stabilizing a roster that currently leans too heavily on one-year fixes.
Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: PFF: State of Cowboys offense, defense requires more depth to compete.
