Brian Schottenheimer might've dropped a major hint about Dallas Cowboys' plans in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft
The more we get to know new Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the more we learn about what the team might look like during the 2025 NFL season. On Tuesday, Schottenheimer provided some insight on his beliefs about building an NFL roster and in the process, he might've dropped a major hint about what the […]
The more we get to know new Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the more we learn about what the team might look like during the 2025 NFL season.
On Tuesday, Schottenheimer provided some insight on his beliefs about building an NFL roster and in the process, he might've dropped a major hint about what the Cowboys' plans are in the first round of the Draft.
Schottenheimer, who admitted he doesn't want to pick at No. 12 again, made it clear he wants to make the most out of a premium pick. In his eyes, that means picking someone who truly moves the needle.
"You're looking for guys that can influence the game, how do you influence the game?" Schottenheimer told reporters via The Athletic's Jon Machota. "You rush the quarterback and you get sacks, strip sacks, fumbles, whatever it is. (. . .) Look at it this way, you build it from the outside-in. So you've got corners, receivers, they get isolated one-on-one. Pass rushers, tackles, they get isolated one-on-one."
Listen, we know Schottenheimer won't be making the picks on draft night. That job belongs largely to Cowboys VP of player personnel, Will McClay, who has an impressive track record of making the right picks. However, coaches can absolutely influence a team's direction in the Draft. And if Schottenheimer's roster philosophy is considered on April 24th, his comments could provide a major hint about the team's potential pick at No. 12.
When the Cowboys go on the clock, wide receiver is a position expected to be considered based on team needs but also on talent available: Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) and Matthew Golden (Texas) could be strong options for the front office as they aim to complement CeeDee Lamb.
"That's the way I've looked at it is when you're building a roster, think of building it from the outside-in based on guys that get isolated a lot," Schottenheimer added. "Because when you're isolated and you can't help, it's a pretty daunting task sometimes."
It's safe to say the Cowboys head coach's philosophy isn't going to be shared by everyone. Some prefer to prioritize defensive tackle and even the interior offensive line over skill positions like wide receiver and cornerback.
However, advanced metrics like WAR (Wins Above Replacement) suggest wide receiver and defensive backs are among the most valuable positions so Schottenheimer is certainly on to something here.
"It is surprising (. . .) that the further away from the ball a player plays, the more valuable they appear to be," Pro Football Focus' explainer on WAR indicates. "After quarterbacks, wide receivers, defensive backs and tight ends have the highest average WAR."
With all that being said, once that clock is ticking, everything will be on the table for the Cowboys. Even though Schottenheimer has his thoughts on how to build a roster, it all comes down to basics.
"Let's go into the Draft and we can take the best player available," Schottenheimer said. "In my opinion that's the best way to go."
