Three Perfect Fits for the Dallas Cowboys in Round One of the NFL Draft
Dallas Cowboys executive Stephen Jones has faced backlash after claiming the team would be “selectively aggressive” this offseason. Jerry Jones and company haven't made any “splash” moves and still have multiple pressing needs after the bulk of free agency has wrapped up. They will now look to the NFL Draft with the 12th overall pick in hopes of adding an instant contributor to their roster. Here are a few round-one prospects that could fit what Dallas wants to do in the 2025-2026 season.
WR Matthew Golden | Texas
The Cowboys have been searching for a number two receiver to pair next to CeeDee Lamb ever since Amari Cooper was traded to the Cleveland Browns. Drafting a wide receiver with the 12th overall pick can certainly be considered “selectively aggressive.” Matthew Golden has skyrocketed up draft rankings ever since his 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which led all wide receivers. The Texas product finished his final season with the Longhorns, tallying 58 catches, 987 yards, and nine touchdowns. Golden is a finesse route runner and is strong at the catch point despite average size at six-foot, 194 lbs. Golden's skill set is best suited on the outside in the NFL, which can allow CeeDee Lamb to line up in the slot more often where he thrives and can open up more opportunities for Jalen Tolbert and Jonathan Mingo to rotate in at the Z position.
OL Kelvin Banks Jr. | Texas
Dallas made a surprising move when they announced Brian Schottenheimer as the new head coach of the Cowboys. Following his immediate hire of Klayton Adams to be the offensive coordinator, who was previously the offensive line coach for the Arizona Cardinals, it became clear that the Cowboys’ new offensive identity was going to be centered around their power run game. One way they can begin that process is by drafting the powerful and versatile lineman from Texas, Kelvin Banks Jr. Banks has ideal size at six-foot-four, 340 lbs to stick at tackle, but the Cowboys’ more pressing need is at guard following the retirement of All-Pro Zack Martin. Banks only allowed three sacks in 42 starts at Texas and has gotten better in his technique every season. There is also a possibility that the Cowboys may look to replace Terence Steele and move Tyler Guyton to right tackle, where he played in college, which would allow both to play their more natural positions.
S Malaki Starks | Georgia
Malaki Starks is a player who would almost certainly be available for the Cowboys at 12; they would also have a good chance at acquiring him with a tradeback due to positional value. Starks has legitimate awareness in the backend and glides across the field in coverage. Although his tape was more eye-popping in 2023 than it was last season, he can play almost anywhere in a secondary and is likely the immediate nickel corner for Dallas. The Georgia product would be a long-term upgrade at either safety spot over Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson. Taking a Georgia defender high in the draft has been extremely successful for the divisional rival Philadelphia Eagles, and taking a page out of Howie Roseman's book is another example of selective aggressiveness that may be needed to turn things around in the division next season.
