Days away from the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, we have a significant consensus on what the Dallas Cowboys will do at No. 12 overall: Pick a wide receiver. 

The reasoning is simple. One of Tetairoa McMillan or Matthew Golden is likely going to be on the board, if not both. Pair that with an overwhelming need to help CeeDee Lamb at wideout and it makes too much sense. 

But this is the NFL Draft and plans hinge on what the board looks like when you're on the clock. Even if Dallas picks in the Top 15, what happens before their turn can lead to a surprise choice. That's why we're looking at five players (non WRs) that could be surprise picks when it's all said and done next Thursday. 

CB Will Johnson, Michigan

You can't rule out Johnson if he's there based on the fact that many perceive him as a Top 10 talent in this Draft that will drop mostly because of injury history (including a season-ending toe injury last October). If healthy, Johnson is capable of starting Day 1 and making an impact and could be the perfect replacement for Trevon Diggs while he battles back from injury. 

Additionally, the future at CB is blurry in Dallas following Jourdan Lewis' departure. Johnson could be a surprise but the Cowboys are known to be willing to take risks in the Draft. 

EDGE Mykel Williams & LB Jalon Walker, Georgia

I'm cheating and sneaking in a sixth player here with a 2×1: I think either of the top Georgia defenders are in play for the Cowboys at 12. 

Mykel Williams is a polarizing prospect, as many see him as a run defender more than a pass rush specialist, which has hurt players stocks before. But NFL Draft insider Todd McShay knows of at least one team with a Top 7 ranking on him, which illustrates how little people agree on him. The Cowboys did host Williams as one of their Top 30 ore-draft visits. 

Todd McShay on Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams: “The league loves him. I saw a board (from an NFL team) where he was 6th or 7th overall.”

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) April 21, 2025

The versatile LB/EDGE Jalon Walker could also be an option, though with him the biggest question is if he'll sneak past the Top 11 picks. He seems like a strong option if the Cowboys pass on WR. 

DL Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M

Another Top 30 visit for the Cowboys, Stewart has the elite traits to develop into an All-Pro caliber player at the NFL level. The problem? He didn't produce much in college. Stewart could be a chess piece for Matt Eberflus' aggressive one-gap defense as he can line up everywhere from 3-tech to a wide rusher. 

A big challenge here could likely be Osa Odighizuwa's $80 million deal. Are the Cowboys investing a first-round pick into a player that would likely play a good chunk of his snaps at DT after committing themselves to Osa? I'm not saying it would be wrong but I am saying it would be a shocker from Dallas. 

TE Tyler Warren, Penn State

As far as sexy picks go, there might not be a better one than Warren. A yards-after-catch machine, frequent one-handed catcher, and occasional passer, the former Nittany Lion is an offensive weapon.

Jake Ferguson being due for free agency in 2026 will either be enough to turn the Cowboys away from making such a pick or, if they want to avoid signing a huge deal with the tight end, picking Warren could be a long-term chess move. 

OL Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

After signing three offensive linemen in free agency, I'd be surprised if the Cowboys use pick No. 12 on an OL again. The Cowboys need weapons right now and though it would be nice to add competition for Brock Hoffman and Terence Steele, we're not talking about an elite, can't-miss prospect here. But then again, this front office doesn't shy away from investing in OL and Banks was a Top 30 visit for the team. 

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Not a great sign.