Dallas Cowboys draft targets: Players to watch at NFL combine

Posted by author February 27, 2025 NFL

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The Dallas Cowboys may have finished the 2024 regular season 7-10, but with Dak Prescott returning from injury and a new head coach, the Cowboys could return to the playoffs in 2025.

They will need a strong offseason, though.

The team has holes on both offense and defense that need to be prioritized. Running back, wide receiver, defensive tackle and linebacker are some of the obvious. But where should the Cowboys look to address those positions? Free agency? The draft? This weekend’s NFL scouting combine could help the organization make an informed decision to improve the franchise for the better.

Here are a few players to watch in Indianapolis:

Running backs

Halfbacks begin their workouts on Saturday.

Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

The Cowboys’ running back room, headed by Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott, was underwhelming. The Cowboys lack game-breaking talent at the position. Jeanty is one.

Not only did he just finish second in Heisman Trophy voting while nearly breaking the FBS single-season rushing record, he also has the balance, speed and patience to be an immediate star in the NFL. The only issue is that he would likely require a first-round pick. With the Cowboys currently slated to pick 12th, the cost might be too rich for their blood.

Omarion Hampton, North Carolina

Although Hampton is widely considered the second-best running back in this year’s draft class, the Cowboys could possibly snag him with their second-round pick, which may make him a more enticing option. Hampton has the skill set to be a feature back in the NFL by Week 1, but his profile is lacking in the pass blocking department. Given Prescott’s injury history, perhaps that’s too risky for the Cowboys.

Kaleb Johnson, Iowa

Another projected second-round pick, Johnson doesn’t have the high-end speed that a lot of NFL offenses look for. He does, however, flaunt his incredible elusiveness and vision on the regular. For a team that isn’t looking to upgrade the offensive line much this offseason, someone who can remain patient and find holes easily might be a great fit. Johnson also has reliable hands, even if he hasn’t had much variety as receiver, usually limited to screens and checkdowns.

Defensive linemen

Workouts for defensive linemen begin Thursday.

James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

While Abdul Carter and Mason Graham are the jewels of the D-lineman class, Pearce is a stellar third option that could slide to the Cowboys at pick No. 12. Pearce is an excellent play recognizer who could move a brick wall. That said, he can overextend sometimes, allowing more mobile quarterbacks to escape, which could be an issue in a division that boasts both Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels.

Mykel Williams, Georgia

Another strong option, Williams was the anchor of the Georgia defense this past year. He possesses the strength necessary to halt rushing attacks in their tracks and his football IQ is off the charts. Williams’ biggest flaw is his lack of pass rushing versatility. Outside of his bull rush, Williams doesn’t have a go-to move. Anyone capable of handling that first move could make Williams irrelevant, a problem when trying to free up Micah Parsons.

Kenneth Grant, Michigan

One of the more highly-touted interior lineman in this year’s draft, Grant is strong, but he did have the benefit of playing next to Mason Graham, which certainly freed him up. Grant might not be able to anchor the interior on his own as well as the Cowboys would like.

Wide receivers

Workouts for wide receivers begin Saturday.

Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

Widely considered the top receiver in this year’s class, there’s only a slight chance that McMillan falls to the Cowboys, but perhaps the team could trade up if it really wanted him. McMillan’s versatility makes him appealing, as he could almost immediately slot into Dallas’ offense as either an outside or slot receiver. The formations that could be run with CeeDee Lamb are endless. While McMillan’s lack of speed and release are often pointed to as his biggest flaws, he doesn’t need to beat people off the line to succeed. He’s tremendous at making catches in traffic and finding space against zone. That alone should make him worth considering.

Isaiah Bond, Texas

If the Cowboys are looking for speed, Bond is the guy. He runs a 4.28 40-yard dash, making him an automatic fill-in as a Z receiver. Bond’s size does raise some concerns as he reportedly can get thrown off by bigger cornerbacks, but he will almost certainly be available in the second round should the Cowboys opt for that route.

Luther Burden III, Missouri

Burden is a good player, boasting incredible release and an ability to come down with contested balls like no other. However, he often draws comparisons to Kadarius Toney. Should that scare the Cowboys? No. After all, Toney was a high-end prospect who showed flashes of greatness in the NFL, but could not turn that into stardom. Burden is a much more polished receiver in many people’s eyes, though, and should be considered a safe option in the first round.