NFL draft season has arrived. After a 7-10 campaign, the Dallas Cowboys enter this year’s event with various needs. Dallas holds the 12th overall pick and has a shot at finding an immediate starter. Would that player line up on the offensive or defensive side of the ball?
There are plenty of questions to answer before the draft kicks off in April. Before that, we’ll break down some key prospects to watch in this year’s class. In this post, we’ll focus on cornerbacks: Cowboys
(Note: we used ESPN’s NFL draft CB rankings and PFF’s draft big board for reference.)
As the Cowboys prepare for the draft, they have several options to consider at the cornerback position. With many analysts viewing Travis Hunter as a wide receiver, Will Johnson became the top name to watch at cornerback earlier this offseason. His projected landing spot has moved around quite a bit as the draft approaches.
Travis Hunter, Colorado
Height: 6-0 Weight: 188 pounds
2024 stats: 36 total tackles, 11 pass deflections, four interceptions and one forced fumble; 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns
Summary: It’s still unknown if Hunter will play offense, defense or both in the NFL. The Heisman Trophy winner is considered one of the top players in this draft, meaning he’ll likely be out of Dallas’ range in the first round. (Unless the Cowboys trade up.) ESPN lists Hunter as a wide receiver, but also ranks him as the draft’s top cornerback. Meanwhile, PFF ranks Hunter as the top player in the class.
Will Johnson, Michigan
Height: 6-2 Weight: 194 pounds
2024 stats: 14 total tackles, three pass deflections, two interceptions and two pick-sixes
Summary: Johnson has the measurables and talent to make a quick impact at the next level. Injuries throughout his time at Michigan could be cause for concern. He only appeared in six games in 2024, battling a turf toe injury throughout the season.
Jahdae Barron, Texas
Height: 5-11 Weight: 194 pounds
2024 stats: 67 total tackles, 11 pass deflections, five interceptions and one fumble recovery.
Summary: With Barron in Austin, the Cowboys wouldn’t have to look too far if they’re interested in adding a young player to their cornerback ranks. Barron has position versatility, bringing to ability to play multiple corner spots and line up at safety.
He earned multiple accolades during his time as a Longhorn, being named an AP first-team All-American last season. During Texas’ pro day, Barron confidently told reporters he’s the top corner in the class.
Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
Height: 5-11 Weight: 183 pounds
2024 stats: 19 total tackles, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles, one interception and a pick-six
Summary: Hairston turned some heads at this year’s scouting combine, posting a 4.28 40-yard dash time. His most productive college season came in 2023, when he led the SEC with five interceptions and earned second-team All-SEC honors.
Like Johnson, Hairston missed a portion of the 2024 campaign due to injury. He was productive in the seven games he played, recording a pick-six against Ohio. According to NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein, Hairston’s athleticism and on-ball talent could lead him to become an NFL starter. Areas to shore up include preparing for the league’s physical nature.
Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
Height: 6-1.5 Weight: 197 pounds
2024 stats: 52 total tackles, four pass deflections and one interception
Summary: Thomas wouldn’t be the first member of his family to don a Cowboys uniform if drafted by Dallas. His brother, Juanyeh, has been in Dallas since 2022 and has quickly become a key part of the Cowboys’ special teams unit.
Azareye’h Thomas is entering the draft after a productive 2024 season. He started 12 games for the Seminoles last year, earning All-ACC honorable mention honors. ESPN lists Azareye’h as the draft’s fourth-best corner, while PFF ranks him as the 62nd-best player in the draft.
Other names to follow
Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison: Appeared in six games early in the 2024 season, posting 20 tackles and four pass deflections. Went down with a season-ending hip injury in October. Was a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award (given to the nation’s top collegiate defensive back) in 2023.
Ole Miss’ Trey Amos: Had the most productive season of his collegiate career in 2024. He posted 50 tackles, 13 pass deflections and three interceptions. Previously played at Alabama and Louisiana.
Iowa State’s Darien Porter: He enters the NFL draft after a six-year stint at Iowa State. Originally landed in Ames as a wide receiver, switching to defensive back in 2022. Became a starter at corner in 2024, posting 18 tackles, three interceptions and two pass deflections.
East Carolina’s Shavon Revel Jr.: Another cornerback prospect with good measureables at 6-2 and 194 pounds. Was among the nation’s most productive defensive backs in 2023, posting 54 tackles, 13 pass deflections and a pick. Only appeared in three games in 2024, going down in September with a torn ACL.
Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish: Was a consistent playmaker over the last three years at K-State, appearing in 38 games throughout his collegiate career. He finished the 2024 season with 50 tackles, seven pass deflections and an interception. Could line up at inside or outside corner.
Louisville’s Quincy Riley: Appeared in 37 games over the last three seasons. Finished the 2024 campaign with 33 tackles, 13 pass deflections and two interceptions. Originally started his collegiate career at Middle Tennessee State, transferring to Louisville in 2022.
Conclusion
The Cowboys have a number of options to consider at the cornerback position in this year’s draft. From Travis Hunter to Will Johnson, Jahdae Barron, Maxwell Hairston, and Azareye’h Thomas, there are several talented players who could make an immediate impact on the team. With the 12th overall pick, the Cowboys have a good chance of landing one of these top prospects and shoring up their secondary for years to come.
More from our Cowboys draft breakdown series
— Quarterbacks
Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
FAQs
Q: Who are the top cornerback prospects in the 2025 NFL draft?
A: Some of the top cornerback prospects in the 2025 NFL draft include Travis Hunter, Will Johnson, Jahdae Barron, Maxwell Hairston, and Azareye’h Thomas.
Q: Where do the Cowboys pick in the 2025 NFL draft?
A: The Cowboys hold the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
Q: What are the Cowboys’ needs in the 2025 NFL draft?
A: The Cowboys have several needs in the 2025 NFL draft, including cornerback, wide receiver, and defensive line.
