2025 NFL Draft Conclusion and Grades for the Dallas Cowboys
The 2025 NFL draft has officially concluded. A key term that stuck out for the Dallas Cowboys over the weekend: discipline. Dallas didn’t reach to address its needs, kicking things off with the selection of Tyler Booker in the first round. After taking defensive weapons on Day 2, Dallas finally added to its running back position with its final selections.
Grading the Cowboys’ 2025 Draft Class
SportsDay’s columnists and Cowboys beat writers grade the Cowboys’ 2025 draft class:
Tim Cowlishaw’s Assessment
Cowboys
Cowboys finally addressed running back but got a mixed bag Saturday as Texas’ Jaydon Blue (5th round) was not nearly as productive as Clemson’s Phil Mafah (7th round) last season. Let Oxnard decide which one competes with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. Overall, the Cowboys used their first four picks to address Zack Martin’s retirement, D-Law’s escape to Seattle, Trevon Diggs’ injury and Jourdan Lewis’ departure and the loss of Rico Dowdle. So full marks for that effort, although time will tell whether these players fill the void. But there were no extreme reaches at any point.
Grade: B-minus
David Moore’s Analysis
The wish list of most people would have had the Cowboys address deficiencies at running back, defensive tackle and the second wide receiver spot with premium picks. But a draft is about reality. Dallas was disciplined throughout, got outstanding value down the line and was able to throw numbers at some problematic positions in Day 3. It appears this draft went a long way in getting Dallas back to where it wants to be.
Grade: A-minus
Related: Disciplined NFL draft display shines spotlight on Dallas Cowboys’ recalibration effort
Kevin Sherrington’s Evaluation
After reaching for Tyler Booker in the first, the Cowboys got quality defenders below market value in the second and third. Both Donovan Ezeiruaku and Shavon Revel, Jr., may ultimately become starters. Had the Cowboys taken a wide receiver and running back in the first three rounds, they’d definitely start this fall. Whiffing on a WR keeps this class from getting an A.
Grade: B
Related: After NFL draft, it appears Dallas Cowboys have an RB committee with no chairman
Calvin Watkins’ Review
After a promising start to the draft, the Cowboys didn’t finish it. You would like to see an offensive playmaker on the roster at running back or wide receiver and we don’t see one. Dallas didn’t pick a wideout this weekend, instead focusing on what’s currently on the roster. The loss of a fourth-round pick, where several running backs went off the board, pushed the Cowboys to draft a pair of running backs with different styles. We do like the effort of two late-round defensive tackles in Jay Toia and Tommy Akingbesote.
Grade: C
Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 draft class has received mixed reviews from SportsDay’s columnists and Cowboys beat writers. While some praise the team’s discipline and ability to address key needs, others feel that the team failed to add an offensive playmaker. Ultimately, only time will tell how these draft picks will pan out and whether they will help the Cowboys achieve their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who did the Cowboys select in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft?
A: The Cowboys selected Tyler Booker in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Q: What position did the Cowboys address with their final selections?
A: The Cowboys addressed the running back position with their final selections, drafting Texas’ Jaydon Blue and Clemson’s Phil Mafah.
Q: What grade did Tim Cowlishaw give the Cowboys’ 2025 draft class?
A: Tim Cowlishaw gave the Cowboys’ 2025 draft class a grade of B-minus.
Q: What was David Moore’s assessment of the Cowboys’ 2025 draft class?
A: David Moore gave the Cowboys’ 2025 draft class a grade of A-minus, praising the team’s discipline and ability to get outstanding value down the line.
Q: Who are the two late-round defensive tackles that Calvin Watkins liked?
A: Calvin Watkins liked the effort of two late-round defensive tackles, Jay Toia and Tommy Akingbesote.

