Dallas Cowboys Complete Successful Draft Under Brian Schottenheimer’s Leadership

FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up the 2025 NFL Draft this weekend, marking the beginning of the Brian Schottenheimer era. After several years in other roles, Schottenheimer took the lead in the draft room for the first time, and team owner Jerry Jones praised the results.

“It was great to see Brian Schottenheimer’s confidence and the collaborative effort with Will McClay and our scouting department,” Jones said. “This was a good draft for us.” The Cowboys made nine picks, starting with Alabama guard Tyler Booker as their first selection.

Despite some delays in setting up their draft board, COO Stephen Jones expressed satisfaction with the team’s strategy. “We stuck to our board better than we ever have,” he stated. “There were times we could have ignored our needs to pick the best player available, but we executed well.”

The Cowboys used their later picks to address specific needs, selecting running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. McClay highlighted Blue’s explosive potential. “You put him in the backfield behind our offensive line, and it gives us a chance to be explosive,” he noted.

Both running backs bring different styles, with Blue known for his speed and Mafah for his physical running game. Schottenheimer is optimistic about their fit within Dallas’s offensive schemes. “We saw Phil do many things at Clemson that we believe will translate well here,” he said.

In addition, the Cowboys addressed their defensive needs by selecting two defensive tackles, Jay Toia and Tommy Akingbesote, in the seventh round. McClay described them as adding more physicality and improving the competition in the defensive line. “We want aggressive, fast players who will pursue the football,” he added.

The team also selected linebacker Shemar James, who will benefit from defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’s coaching. “He has impressive instincts and can rush the passer well,” Schottenheimer said. “We’re excited to develop him further.”

The Cowboys reinforced their offensive line with Booker and fifth-round pick Ajani Cornelius, a versatile lineman from Oregon. McClay believes Cornelius can offer flexibility at multiple positions, a key asset in today’s NFL.

Interestingly, the Cowboys chose not to draft a wide receiver for the first time since 2020, despite previously expressing the need for a second option to pair with star CeeDee Lamb. “We are still open to adding a receiver through trade or free agency,” Jones said, indicating ongoing efforts to strengthen the team’s roster.

As the Cowboys prepare for offseason training activities starting May 19, the impact of this draft will be closely monitored as the team looks to build on its recent successes.