Brett's Cowboys Corner

In an average draft year, picking 8-14 can be seen as a sweet spot. Usually you will get to draft an elite difference maker. All while not having to make a tough decision, as you are left with the last few of the elite players. The teams in front of you had to make the difficult decision, and maybe they made the wrong one.

At pick 12, there has been one Hall of Famer, Warren Sapp. Add on two potential Hall of Famers with Marshawn Lynch and Fletcher Cox. We have also seen Pro Bowl and All-Pro players picked at 12. Names like Odell Beckham Jr, Vita Vea, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Cowboys’ very own Micah Parsons.

Unfortunately this year, you might need a little more luck to see talent like that make it to 12. The 2025 draft class will be remembered for the depth in the 2nd and 3rd round grades. The major missing piece this year, there aren’t many elite offensive linemen. 9 offensive linemen were selected in the 1st round last year, there may not be half that in April.

There are a few names at the very top, that you should drop everything and draft immediately, but they should all be gone by the time 12 rolls around. You should have been better at losing games Dallas.

Run the Card to the Podium

These are the top players of this years draft. They should all be gone before 12, but mistakes can be made on draft night. If Dallas goes on the clock and one of these five are there…Turn in the card!

• Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado: The Heisman Trophy winner won’t be there, if he is…then a bad video got posted on twitter.
• Abdul Carter, DE, Penn St: Carter beats up on everybody, rushes from both sides and blitzes as a linebacker. The perfect piece to line up with Micah Parsons. Meet at the quarterback.
• Mason Graham, DT, Michigan: We scout the player NOT the helmet folks. Don’t want to hear anything about Michigan…its a different scheme, and Graham is disruptive and can actually move.
• Tet McMillan, WR, Arizona: Here’s a player that fell way down Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft, maybe burnout from the same names being mocked or teams are over reacting about the athletic traits…go watch him play against Travis Hunter, he catches the ball.
• Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise St: Though I am beginning to like the idea of the late round options at running back. I have to be honest with myself. Jeanty is still a difference maker, he will make any team better 2025. Regardless of the position.

Stay and Pick

These are a few players that realistically could be available at 12, and I would be happy with the selection.

• Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio St: Here is the best offensive tackle of this years draft. He should be a top 5 pick. Unfortunately, he tore his patella tendon early in the 2024 season and may not be ready for camp.
• Kelvin Banks Jr, OT, Texas: Played tackle at Texas, but is likely going to play offensive guard at the NFL level. With the retirement of Zack Martin, this pick feels even more realistic.
• Luther Burden, WR, Missouri: A shifty slot receiver, makes a big impact after the catch. This would be a great pairing with Ceedee Lamb.
• Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas: This may not be a priority need, but a sneaky one. Trevon Diggs may not be ready for the start of the season, and Barron may be a top 10 pick. He can play all over the secondary.
• Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio St: Another great paring for Lamb. Egbuka has been a solid #2 for his entire collegiate career and has been productive.

Trade Back?

If these names are on the board, you need to be making phone calls and trying to trade back and grab more picks. For some of these names, I would be okay making the pick…its just their position has depth in this class and I can wait, or I don’t see it as a must need situation.

• Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia: I have liked Starks through this process, hes projected to go in the teens. He can come in and make your secondary better, playing all over like Detroit’s Brian Branch.
• Mike Green, DE, Marshall: Green’s name has been talked about more and more as this process goes on. A disruptive pass rusher, the only knock is not playing at a power-5 school.
• Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio St: There’s a lot of depth in this draft for the big dudes in the middle. Williams is powerful and dominated in the College Football Playoff. He may have earned himself a place in the 1st round this year.
• James Pearce Jr, DE, Tennessee: A consistent big bodied pass rusher, he just gets sacks. I just don’t know how much I need a DE in the 1st. I would let a team trade up for him and I take their 3rd.
• Tyler Warren, TE, Penn St: This is a player that has been talked about being a top 15 selection. Warren is basically a big WR, but playing at TE is just not a need for Dallas…someone come get him.

Additionally: Add any QB to this list. If Ward or Sanders is there, lets make a trade and get a bunch of picks. Though Stephen Jones mentioned taking a QB this year…that’s not until round 5.