As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the 2025 NFL Draft, speculation is rife about what direction the team should take with their selections, particularly in the first two rounds. With the Cowboys still in the hunt for a championship and an already well-rounded roster, their focus in this draft will likely be on adding key pieces that can push them over the top. However, with a few glaring needs and some intriguing options available, one of the most pressing questions facing the Cowboys’ front office is whether they should prioritize their defense or go with a running back early in the draft.
There are several factors at play in this decision, ranging from current roster construction to long-term strategic goals. At the heart of it all is the Cowboys’ desire to remain competitive and eventually bring home another Super Bowl trophy. With an elite defense that has carried them for much of the past few seasons, adding more talent to that unit might seem like the logical choice. However, the Cowboys also have the opportunity to land a game-changing running back—someone who could complement Dak Prescott and make the offense even more dangerous. In the context of the current roster, it seems that Dallas is in a position where they could go in either direction. Let’s break down why defense should be the priority in Round 2 while addressing whether selecting a running back in the first round would make sense.
Looking at the Cowboys’ defense, it’s no secret that they have one of the most formidable units in the league. Anchored by linebacker Micah Parsons, who is arguably one of the top defensive players in all of football, the Cowboys’ defense is aggressive, fast, and relentless. The addition of key players like Trevon Diggs in the secondary, as well as veteran leadership from players like DeMarcus Lawrence, has solidified the defense as one of the most complete in the NFL. Still, while the defense has been strong, there are areas that need addressing in the upcoming draft, particularly when it comes to depth and adding more playmakers to an already dynamic unit.
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Despite being one of the top defenses in the league, the Cowboys could stand to improve their defensive line and linebacking corps. Defensive tackle is an area of need, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the future of several key players. With the defensive line aging in places, the Cowboys would be wise to consider a defensive tackle or edge rusher in the draft who can provide both immediate help and long-term stability. In particular, adding another pass rusher to complement Parsons could elevate this defense to another level, making it even more dangerous against both the run and the pass. Having a secondary that can lock down opposing receivers, combined with a ferocious pass rush, is a recipe for success, and the Cowboys are well aware of that.
This is where the second round becomes critical. Given that the Cowboys will likely be drafting in the middle of the round, there could be several enticing prospects available who can help bolster the defensive line or serve as a rotational piece to keep fresh bodies on the field. With the depth of talent in the 2025 NFL Draft, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, Dallas could address their defensive needs early and still land a player who can come in and make an immediate impact. It’s not a stretch to believe that the Cowboys will prioritize defense in Round 2 to continue their dominance on that side of the ball, securing a piece that can contribute right away and develop into a key player for years to come.
On the other hand, the question remains whether the Cowboys should target a running back in the first round. The position of running back has evolved in recent years, with many teams moving away from using high draft capital on the position, opting instead to focus on committee approaches or finding value later in the draft. That said, the Cowboys’ situation is a bit different. While they have a solid running back in Tony Pollard, the team has struggled to find a consistent second option to complement him. Ezekiel Elliott, once the bell-cow back for the Cowboys, is no longer the dominant force he once was, and Pollard, despite his explosiveness, is not necessarily an every-down back. This has left a void in the Cowboys’ backfield, and it’s one that could be filled by a game-changing rookie.
The 2025 NFL Draft has several intriguing running back prospects that could be available when the Cowboys are on the clock in the first round. A player like Bijan Robinson, the standout running back from Texas, could be a perfect fit for the Cowboys, especially with his combination of vision, power, and speed. Robinson has the potential to be a true workhorse back in the NFL, and his ability to contribute as both a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield makes him a versatile weapon. Having someone like Robinson could take pressure off Dak Prescott, allowing the Cowboys to establish a more balanced attack that could open up the passing game.
Additionally, having a top-tier running back would allow the Cowboys to take some of the burden off Pollard, who has shown flashes of brilliance but also tends to wear down as the season progresses. By bringing in a high-caliber running back like Robinson, Dallas would be able to lean on a two-back system that can keep both players fresh and allow them to exploit defenses in a variety of ways. This would be especially beneficial in the playoffs, where having a dynamic run game could prove to be the difference in tight games.
However, the question of whether the Cowboys should prioritize a running back in the first round ultimately depends on how much they value the position. While the addition of a star running back could help their offense, it’s also worth noting that a team with Super Bowl aspirations needs to focus on building depth and improving areas of weakness. The Cowboys have several important needs on defense that could potentially be addressed in the first round without sacrificing the long-term success of their offense. The Cowboys should not get too caught up in the idea of a flashy offensive pick when their defense has the opportunity to take them to the next level.
If the Cowboys do opt to go defense in Round 1, they would likely target a player who can help shore up their defensive line or provide some immediate impact as a pass rusher. Someone like an edge rusher or a defensive tackle could make a lot of sense, particularly as they look to bolster their pass rush. A player like Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama or Jalen Carter from Georgia could be available, and either would make an immediate impact in Dallas, continuing their efforts to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and create turnovers.
The Cowboys are also in an advantageous position with the second round pick. If they address defense in the first round, the second round is where they could target a running back who could provide immediate value without spending a premium pick on the position. Players like Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama or Zach Evans from Ole Miss could be available in the second round, and either would provide a solid complement to Pollard. Gibbs, in particular, has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and provide a versatile option in the offense.
In the end, the Cowboys’ decision comes down to balancing short-term needs with long-term success. While adding a running back early in the draft could provide a boost to their offense, addressing defense should remain the top priority. The Cowboys’ defense is already one of the best in the league, but adding another key piece could solidify their title contention. If they can get a top-tier defensive player in the first round and a running back with the second pick, they would have the best of both worlds: a complete, balanced team capable of contending for a Super Bowl for years to come.
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most crucial for the Cowboys in recent memory. While they may not be in dire need of a full rebuild, finding the right players to put them over the top is essential. Whether they focus on defense or offense, one thing is clear: the Cowboys are in a position to make the most of their draft picks and set themselves upfor a successful future.