The Dallas Cowboys’ choice to restrict their free agent pool could prove to be quite advantageous in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Dallas Cowboys have generally avoided free agency, but although this approach has drawn criticism recently, it may have significant benefits in the run-up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Cowboys’ lone major acquisition of the offseason was linebacker Eric Kendricks, who will join new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s unit before rejoining with running back Ezekiel Elliott after the 2024 draft.
Nonetheless, the Cowboys may be in line for a sizable haul of compensatory draft picks come springtime after losing players like Dante Fowler, Jr., Tyron Smith, Tony Pollard, Dorrance Armstrong, and Tyler Biadasz, among others.
The NFL has never disclosed its compensatory pick formula, but according to NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein, the Cowboys will receive the maximum number of compensatory picks—four—per franchise in the 2019–20 season.
“Gallop to the Cowboys,” Zierlein pens. “who have made significant investments in the compensatory-picks game. Since 2021, the Cowboys have acquired a minimum of two compensatory picks annually. This pattern is expected to continue in 2025, since Dallas is nearly certain to reach the cap of four more picks following the loss of five qualifying players and their (notoriety-filled) lack of signings this offseason.
Dallas will add three new picks in the fifth round and one in the sixth, with Zierlein projecting the Baltimore Ravens to be the only other team in line to receive four additional picks during the 2025 NFL Draft.
What Picks do The Cowboys Have in 2025?
In the upcoming draft, the Cowboys are expected to select six players before any compensatory picks are distributed.
In exchange for trading back to No. 29 overall to choose offensive tackle Tyler Guyton in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Dallas gave a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Detroit Lions.
By making up to four more selections, the Cowboys may be able to maneuver around the field with even more freedom in 2025.
Analyst Not Sold on Cowboys’ Plan at Running Back
While a reunion with the veteran could improve the offense, not everyone believes the Cowboys have done enough to strengthen the running back position. Ezekiel Elliot is back in Dallas, albeit with a different number.
Dallas’ backfield is still a work in progress, according to Joel Klatt of FOX Sports, given that the Cowboys passed on choosing a running back the entire draft.
Jonathan Brooks is exceptional, as Klatt recently stated. “You know what, that’s probably good for Dallas,” I’m thinking to myself. Now that you have those two or three men you can choose from in the third round, go ahead and be patient.
They had two picks in the third round when we reached it. Cooper Beebe, the guard, is taken out of Kansas State. It’s interesting that the leaders of the inside offensive line cannot agree on anything.
Green Bay Packers third-round selection Marshawn Lloyd, a former USC standout, is one guy Klatt thinks the Cowboys will regret losing.
For Heavy.com, Matt Lombardo covers the NFL, concentrating on the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, and Philadelphia Eagles.
Expert NFL reporter with more than ten years of experience, he was the national NFL insider for FanSided and the host of the podcast “The Matt Lombardo Show” before. NJ.com and radio stations 97.5 The Fanatic and 97.3 ESPN FM are among the other previous visits.A bit more about Matt Lombardo
