Here's a mock draft Grok did for me. I asked him to consider plausible trades and to make picks based on who is likely to be available at each slot and what he thinks is in the team's best interest. I think he did pretty well.
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2025 NFL Draft with significant needs across the roster after a disappointing 7-10 season. Key areas to address include running back, wide receiver, defensive tackle, cornerback, edge rusher, and offensive line depth. With 10 draft picks and a new head coach in Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys aim to rebuild a competitive roster around Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons. Below is a full seven-round mock draft, including two plausible trades to maximize value and address critical needs, based on current roster gaps and draft trends. Player selections reflect realistic availability at each pick, prioritizing impact and fit.
Trade Details
Round 1 Trade (Pick 12)
Cowboys Trade: 1st Round (Pick 12) to Seattle Seahawks
Cowboys Receive: 1st Round (Pick 18), 3rd Round (Pick 80), 2026 4th Round
Rationale: The top-tier wide receivers (e.g., Tetairoa McMillan) and running backs (e.g., Ashton Jeanty) are likely gone by Pick 12. Trading back allows Dallas to accumulate additional picks while still targeting a high-impact player in a deep draft class. Seattle, needing a quarterback or elite talent, may move up.
Round 5 Trade (Pick 149)
Cowboys Trade: 5th Round (Pick 149) to Pittsburgh Steelers
Cowboys Receive: 6th Round (Pick 193), 2026 5th Round
Rationale: Pittsburgh, seeking depth at a premium position like cornerback or linebacker, may value the earlier pick. Dallas slides back slightly, gaining a future asset while still securing a developmental player in a deep Day 3 pool.
Dallas Cowboys 2025 7-Round Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 18 (from SEA): Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Why: Warren is a versatile tight end who can block and catch, addressing Dallas’ need for a reliable No. 2 pass-catcher to complement CeeDee Lamb. With Jake Ferguson as the starter, Warren adds depth and a red-zone threat, fitting Schottenheimer’s offense. His availability at 18 is realistic given the draft’s focus on quarterbacks, receivers, and linemen early.
Round 2, Pick 44: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
Why: The Cowboys’ running game was abysmal in 2024 (26th in yards per carry). Judkins, a powerful yet agile back, brings RB1 potential with 2,900+ college rushing yards. He’s likely available in Round 2 as teams prioritize other positions, making him a perfect fit to revive Dallas’ ground attack.
Round 3, Pick 76: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Why: With Trevon Diggs’ injury concerns and Jourdan Lewis gone, Dallas needs secondary help. Barron’s versatility (slot/outside) and ball skills (5 INTs in 2024) make him a Day 1 contributor. He’s a steal at 76 in a deep cornerback class.
Round 3, Pick 80 (from SEA): Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
Why: Dallas’ run defense ranked 31st in 2024. Corleone, a 320-pound space-eater, clogs lanes and flashes pass-rush upside (3 sacks in 2024). Available in the late third due to a loaded defensive tackle class, he pairs well with Osa Odighizuwa.
Round 5, Pick 174 (Compensatory): Jared Ivey, EDGE, Ole Miss
Why: DeMarcus Lawrence’s potential departure leaves a gap opposite Micah Parsons. Ivey’s speed-to-power profile (8.5 sacks in 2024) makes him a rotational pass-rusher with starter upside. He’s a value pick in Round 5 as teams overlook him for flashier names.
Round 6, Pick 204 (from BUF): Xavier Truss, OL, Georgia
Why: Offensive line depth is critical with Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele’s inconsistency. Truss, a versatile guard/tackle, brings 40+ starts of SEC experience. He’s a safe pick in Round 6 to develop behind Zack Martin.
Round 6, Pick 211: Karene Reid, LB, Utah
Why: Linebacker depth is thin beyond Parsons and Overshown. Reid’s instincts and special teams value (100+ tackles in 2024) make him a low-risk addition. He’s available late as a non-elite athlete.
Round 7, Pick 217 (from NE): Max Brosmer, QB, Minnesota
Why: With Joe Milton as a project, Dallas needs another developmental quarterback. Brosmer’s accuracy (67% completion rate) and experience (11,000+ college yards) make him a solid backup candidate. He’s a classic Round 7 flyer.
Round 7, Pick 239 (from TEN): LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse
Why: Allen’s dual-threat ability (1,000+ rushing, 500+ receiving in 2024) adds versatility to the backfield. He’s a late-round gem to complement Judkins, likely available due to playing at a smaller program.
Round 7, Pick 247: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
Why: Dallas needs depth behind Lamb and Warren. Noel’s quickness and slot ability (700+ yards in 2024) make him a situational weapon. He’s a low-cost flier to close the draft.
Best Course of Action
The Cowboys should prioritize versatility and immediate impact while planning for the future. Trading back in Round 1 maximizes draft capital in a deep class, allowing Dallas to address multiple holes (TE, RB, CB, DT) early. Judkins and Warren provide offensive firepower, while Barron and Corleone shore up a porous defense. Later rounds focus on depth and upside (Ivey, Hancock, Truss) to build a sustainable roster. Avoiding a reach at Pick 12 and leveraging trades ensures Dallas gets starters and contributors without overpaying. This draft sets up a balanced, competitive team for 2025 and beyond.