The Cowboys are likely picking a WR in first round of 2025 NFL Draft and here's everything you need to know about their options
The Dallas Cowboys are considered prime candidates to choose a wide receiver in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft for more than one reason. There’s obviously a need for one, specially following Brandin Cooks’ departure in free agency. Additionally, there’s a big chance a receiver is one of the best players available when […]
The Dallas Cowboys are considered prime candidates to choose a wide receiver in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft for more than one reason.
There’s obviously a need for one, specially following Brandin Cooks’ departure in free agency. Additionally, there’s a big chance a receiver is one of the best players available when they go on the clock in April.
As such, it’s a good time to dive into the Cowboys’ need for a wide receiver and which prospect might be the best to target, with the insight of A to Z Sports' draft expert Ian Valentino.
The Cowboys might not have a choice other than drafting WR in the first round
At this point, I’m not sure there’s a need as pressing as wide receiver is. Sure, Dallas could use a top-tier running back like Ashton Jeanty but they’re likelier to get away with fielding a mediocre RB committee than they are by fielding their current WR room. If the Cowboys had to play a game today, they’d probably have to line up Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin as No. 2 and No. 3 behind CeeDee Lamb. Neither of them has proven to be starting-caliber players consistently.
In an 11 personnel league like the NFL, that’s simply asking for trouble. Perhaps Tolbert or Turpin make leaps they haven’t so far in their careers. But the Cowboys could use a better Plan A ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
That being said, free agency doesn’t offer plenty of good opportunities at this stage. Amari Cooper and Stefon Diggs could be the best options available but carry significant injury concerns at a price range unlikely to sit well with the Cowboys front office.
Meanwhile, the NFL Draft offers several strong first round candidates at wide receiver for the Cowboys’ pick at No. 12 overall. More on that later.
Brian Schottenheimer’s staff should have a say in the pick
If the Cowboys take this route when they’re on the clock, there’s no question Schottenheimer’s staff should have a say in which WR they choose. After all, the decision could hinge on who’s the best wideout prospect as much as on how they plan to use CeeDee Lamb.
The star receiver has proven to be a reliable weapon working in the slot and as an outside receiver. How much does that impact their chances of choosing Luther Burden III, who’s primarily seen as a slot receiver? If they prefer CeeDee working inside, could that be enough to make them feel comfortable with taking a flyer on the big-sized Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona?
Who’s the best WR in this year’s class excluding Travis Hunter?
I’m not sold that Travis Hunter is the best overall receiver, but there are a few different archetypes to choose from. Tetairoa McMillan is my top-rated receiver because of his unique ability to create after the catch for a 6’5” target. His size is terrific, but he’s not as much of a jump ball threat as you might assume. I also think Luther Burden is right there with McMillan and Hunter. Each plays significantly different than each other but should be at least high end No. 2 options.
Emeka Egbuka is said to be the "safest" option: Truth or False
True, though I’m hesitant to put that tag on him because it creates a preconceived notion his upside is limited. For as accomplished as he was in college, he can be a better pro than he was a Buckeye. His route-running and versatility are oft lauded, but don’t sleep on his downfield explosiveness.
Is the Matthew Golden hype real?
Sort of. His speed is legit and he starred at Houston in two different roles before breaking out at Texas. He’s definitely a good player with a pro-ready skill set, but I wonder what the upside is. He’s fast but not incredible after the catch, so I think he’s more of a good WR2 who gets a respectable second contract than a star.
Luther Burden vs. Tetairoa McMillan
CeeDee Lamb’s presence plays a huge part into why I’d go McMillan between the two. It’s uncommon for offenses to embrace two players with similar skill sets as Burden and Lamb. I don’t think they’re redundant, but McMillan’s potential to be more of an outside threat is more attractive for Dallas.
