Dallas Cowboys Select Defensive Tackle Jay Toia in 2025 NFL Draft

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys made a significant move in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting UCLA defensive tackle Jay Toia with the 217th overall pick on Saturday. This selection emphasizes the team’s strategic focus on bolstering their defensive line.

Toia, a 6-foot-2, 342-pound player, was one of the three picks the Cowboys had in the seventh round. He transferred from the University of Southern California (USC) to UCLA, where he accumulated impressive stats, including 91 combined tackles and three sacks over four seasons.

A former rugby player, Toia brings a unique intensity to the football field. His size makes him a challenge for offensive linemen; he can occupy space and disrupt plays by shedding blocks effectively. ‘He devours space and eats double teams,’ noted one analyst. Toia has shown the ability to anticipate the running back’s moves, an essential skill that has earned him recognition.

In addition to his solid run-stopping abilities, Toia can be disruptive in the passing game. He has a knack for interrupting passing lanes, often getting his hands up to interfere with throws. However, scouts have pointed out areas for improvement, such as his tackling technique and the need to develop a more powerful bull rush.

Defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton is expected to help Toia refine these skills as he competes against last year’s seventh-round pick, Justin Rogers, and established players like Mazi Smith and Osa Odighizuwa.

The Cowboys hope Toia’s addition will enhance their defensive capabilities and contribute to a more robust performance in the upcoming season. His journey from rugby to football demonstrates his versatility and potential for growth.

Toia joins a historic lineage of UCLA defensive tackles with past success in the NFL, including Osa Odighizuwa, who is now his teammate.