BREAKING NEWS *** 2025 Dallas Cowboys Draft Picks***

[BrAinPaiNt]

Dallas Cowboy 2025 Draft Picks

Round 1 Pick 12 - OG Tyler Booker Alabama

Round 2 Pick 44 - DE Donovan Ezeiruaku BC

Round 3 Pick 76 - CB Shavon Revel JR ECU

Round 5 Pick 149 - RB Jaydon Blue Texas

Round 5 Pick 152 - LB Shemar James Florida


Round 6 Pick 204 - OT Ajani Cornelius Oregon

Round 7 Pick 217 - DT Jay Toia UCLA

Round 7 Pick 239 - RB Phil Mafah Clemson

Round 7 Pick 247 - DT Tommy Akingbesote Maryland






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[BrAinPaiNt]

OG TYLER BOOKER ALABAMA​

He is one of my favorite offensive linemen in this draft. He’s a mauler. He is a little limited in terms of athletic ability, but he works for the Cowboys as they try and get better up front. But why not receiver here? (Pete Prisco)

Overview​

Two-year starter and team captain with elite physical traits. Booker is a downhill run blocker with average explosiveness into first contact, but he utilizes his size and power to overtake defenders in the second phase of the block. He can play too far out over his toes but that’s correctable. Booker is an average athlete in protection but makes up for it with technique and football intelligence to defend against twists. He’s tough, smart and a top leader. The traits, football character and play strength will make him a good starter for a downhill, power-based attack.

Strengths​

• Prototypical size and girth with elite length and massive hands.
• Upper-body power and hip torque to turn defenders out of the gap.
• Has a feel for positioning and angles to wall-off blocks in space.
• Patient and controlled working up to second-level targets.
• Protects with good posture and smooth tempo in his mirror.
• Plays with great poise and recognition when twists and blitzes kick off.
• Able to uncoil lower half and set a sudden anchor in the pocket.

Weaknesses​

• Approaches too many blocks with outside hands.
• Absorbs rushers instead of consistently punching them.
• Average foot speed to ride or redirect rushers on his edge.
• Below-average lateral quickness and range as a run blocker.
• Needs to run feet under hands for better sustain.

 

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[BrAinPaiNt]

DE Donovan Ezeiruaku Boston College​

Overview​

Slightly undersized outside linebacker for a 3-4 front with long arms and plus athleticism. Ezeiruaku uses every bit of his length paired with aggression to mitigate size differences at the point of attack. He gets engulfed at times but typically separates from or slips blocks cleanly. He’s quick off the snap, using bend and agility to win at the top of the rush or make stops in the backfield. His hands exploit small advantages to turn them into big ones and he has a variety of ways to challenge protection, though he’s still learning to craft his plans. Ezeiruaku’s play demeanor, skill and athletic talent are the underpinnings of a productive starter with three-down value.

Strengths​

• Smooth hips with easy change of direction in space.
• Long arms greet blocker with forceful punch in the chest.
• Slips quickly past blocks and makes plays in the backfield.
• Uses agility, recognition and athleticism to pile up tackles.
• Rushes with consistent forward lean and active hands.
• Bend to sink under the punch and corner the arc tightly.
• Makes sudden alteration to his rush track, using inside-out euro-step.
• Climbs right up on tackle’s toes before looping under on twists.
• Hits fluid arm-over transitions to beat protection inside.

Weaknesses​

• Works under the block and loses contain.
• Gets engulfed by size when blockers get into him.
• Size of tackles helps to wear down his rush energy.
• Lacks bull-rush power to collapse tackles into pockets.
• Rush plan needs more time to develop and diversify.
• Average pursuit speed and closing burst.

Rating: 85.00 (Pro Bowl potential)
Pro Comparison: Javon Solomon
Summary
Donovan Ezeiruaku is a smaller EDGE rusher with long limbs and a refined, technical approach to the game. He relies on a diverse set of hand moves -- cross chop, swipe and swim -- to win at the point of attack, combining them effectively with coordinated footwork. His burst is above average but not elite, and while his low center of gravity adds deceptive power, his bull rush still needs more strength to translate to the NFL.

Ezeiruaku’s athleticism is solid but not exceptional, with adequate quickness and flexibility but limited bend and twitch. Against the run, he competes hard but can be overwhelmed at the point of attack due to his smaller stature. His best fit is as a stand-up OLB in a 3-4 scheme, where added space can maximize his pass-rush repertoire and keep offensive tackles off balance.

While his physical ceiling is modest, Ezeiruaku’s advanced technique and football IQ make him a dependable contributor in the right system.
About

• 2024: 13th consensus All-American in school history (first since 2013) and ACC Defensive Player of the Year
• 2024: Led the nation in sacks per game (1.38) and total sacks during the regular season (16.5)

Strengths

• Detailed pass-rush plans that bewilder OTs
• Surprising point-of-attack power
• Can win inside because of his ability to get skinny between blockers

Weaknesses

• Not overly twitchy or explosive
• Size will limit him against large OTs
• Doesn't disengage from on a consistent basis if he doesn't win immediately

Combine Data

• Bench press: 22 reps
• Vertical jump: 35.5 inches
• 20-yard shuttle run: 4.19 seconds
• Broad jump: 9 feet, 11 inches
• 3-cone drill: 6.94

 

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[BrAinPaiNt]

CB SHAVON REVEL JR ECU​

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Rounds 1-2
NFL Comparison
Benjamin St-Juste

Overview​

Big, long and fast are the physical descriptors that stand out for the East Carolina corner. Revel is leggy when matching press release but he’s disruptive once he gets his hands on the wideout. He plays upright in man coverage, tends to allow small pockets of separation due to his high center of gravity and still needs improvement when it comes to finding and defending the deep ball, despite his ability to stay in phase with vertical routes. He has ideal length and good vision from zone, and he should continue to improve in that coverage with more experience. Revel suffered a torn ACL in September, but his measurables, explosiveness and upside give him a good chance to become an early starter.

Strengths​

• Enticing blend of length and top-end speed.
• Uses long arms to re-route wideout in press.
• Digests combination routes and comes out cleanly.
• Plays with ideal eye balance to make plays from zone.
• Uses long strides and plus acceleration to close the distance.
• Shrinks downfield landing areas with ability to stretch and extend.
• Willing to step up and stick his nose in as a tackler.

Weaknesses​

• Split high with long legs and a high center of gravity.
• Footwork and timing can get away from him when mirroring press release.
• Average balance and body control matching route breaks and stops.
• Relies too heavily on face-guarding instead of finding the football.
• Needs to improve pursuit angles and entry points as a tackler.
• Recovering from an ACL tear he suffered in September.

Rating: 86.05 (Pro Bowl potential)
Pro Comparison: Jamel Dean
Summary
Shavon Revel is a tall, long and imposing outside cornerback with a frame that naturally stands out. His straight-line speed is a clear asset, although his backpedal can get a bit high, slightly delaying his ability to drive and change direction. Despite this, his instincts are highly evident, as he often reacts to the quarterback's intentions quicker than others and tracks the ball in the air with ease. His height and arm length create an extensive pass-breakup radius, which is a critical strength in contested situations. While his press technique could improve, as he isn't as assertive as his size suggests, he has enough recovery ability to stay with receivers on intricate routes downfield. A linear athletic profile is evident, which limits some of the agility you'd expect, but his reasonable hip fluidity makes him effective near the boundary, particularly in zone coverage. He excels at handling vertical routes, using his instincts and length to close windows even when he isn’t in perfect position. Revel’s contributions in the run game are limited but dependable, with few missed tackles. There’s some rawness to his overall game, particularly in his footwork and twitch, which may not fit every team’s preference. However, his unique combination of size, speed and upside gives him plenty of developmental appeal as a boundary corner.
About

• 2023: Second-team All-AAC
• Regarded as one of top CB prospects despite suffering torn ACL three games in 2024 season

Strengths

• Immense height and length for the CB position
• Outstanding ball skills
• Serious downfield speed

Weaknesses

• Not as dominant at the line as his size would suggest
• Doesn't mirror against super-quick WRs well
• Backpedal can get a little high

 

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[BrAinPaiNt]

RB JAYDON BLUE TEXAS
​

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Round 3

Overview​

Blue played behind very good backs, so his carry count is lower, but he clearly has talent. He’s a narrow-hipped, linear runner with good speed to threaten wide and attack downfield out of the backfield. He has adequate wiggle in the open field but lacks base strength to break tackles. Blue’s lack of tempo and vision inside gets him behind schedule and could limit how teams use him as a ball-carrier. While he can be labeled a “change-of-pace slasher,” his real value will revolve around his ability to mismatch linebackers and threaten defenses as a receiver out of the backfield.

Strengths​

• Quick, agile feet to slither around the interior.
• Ankle flexion allows him to make sharp turns.
• Good top-end speed to widen the field on outside runs.
• Can juke and sneak past open-field tacklers.
• Legitimate mismatch option as a receiver out of the backfield.
• Runs wheel routes and angle routes for big plays.

Weaknesses​

• Lacks tempo and processing quickness as a runner.
• Runs too small inside and accepts the contact.
• Fumble rate will be frowned upon.
• Will have drops on off-frame throws.
• Mental mistakes in protection caused sacks.

GRADE

Rating: 72.55 (Roster depth)
Pro Comparison: J.D. McKissic
Summary
Jaydon Blue is a smaller, compact running back with solid speed and receiving traits, excelling in space with elite burst, particularly on wide zone runs. While his vision can be slow due to limited hand-off experience, he flashes impressive deceleration and back jukes to evade tacklers, though he lacks side-to-side wiggle to consistently make defenders miss. Despite his size, Blue shows surprising contact balance, shrugging off waist-level tackles. As a receiver, he’s dynamic on angle routes but struggles with drops, particularly when attempting to body catch. His raw skills and inconsistency as a pass-catcher limit his upside, but for a team seeking a speedy, low-mileage back with receiving potential, Blue could be an intriguing mid-round prospect.
About

• NFL combine: Second-fatest 40-yard dash time among RB prospects (4.38 seconds)
• 2024: Team-high eight rushing touchdowns

Strengths

• Elite burst, especially on wide zone runs, able to hit the edge quickly
• Dangerous in the open field with great vision and the ability to make defenders miss
• Effective as a receiving threat out of the backfield, particularly on angle routes.

Weaknesses

• Run game vision is inconsistent, often slow to find creases
• Hands are unreliable at times, leading to drops as a receiver
• Lacks side-to-side wiggle, limiting his ability to consistently avoid tacklers

Combine Data

• 40-yard dash: 4.38 seconds

 

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[BrAinPaiNt]

LB SHEMAR JAMES FLORIDA​

Rating: 69.84 (Practice squad)
Pro Comparison: Jeremiah Gemmel
Summary
Shemar James is a smaller linebacker prospect who does a better job avoiding blocks than disengaging from them. He has the requisite speed to trail in coverage and play sideline to sideline, but lacks the ideal mass to play in space. James had a high missed tackle rate as a result of not coming to balance in space.
About

• 2022: Freshman All-SEC
• 2022: Started all 13 games (64 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, three passes defensed and one sack)

Strengths

• Good job staying in-phase while in coverage
• Good quickness to shoot gaps as a rusher and move the quarterback off his spot
• Plays to the whistle sideline to sideline

Weaknesses

• 17.1% missed tackle rate in 2024, per TruMedia
• Lacks ideal mass to play in the box
• Struggles to disengage from blocks

Combine Data

• 40-yard dash: 4.69 seconds
• Vertical jump: 32 inches
• 20-yard shuttle run: 4.27 seconds
• Broad jump: 9 feet, 9 inches
• 3-cone drill: 7.09 seconds

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Rounds 6-7

Overview​

James flashes speed but has never really developed the recognition and response talent to chalk up playmaking production. He has some twitch in his movement and does a nice job of working past blocks, but he might not be able to anticipate with enough consistency to play ahead of NFL blocking schemes. James is athletic in space and can play special teams, but he might never be more than an average backup.

Strengths​

• Scrapes quickly with rapid-fire slide steps.
• Weaves around traffic in pursuit of the football.
• Plays downhill and physically.
• Uses hands and body-turn to fight around blocks.
• Elusive and urgent as a blitzer.
• Four-phase special teams experience.

Weaknesses​

• Tackle production does not stand out (165 in three seasons).
• Below-average instincts and diagnosing quickness.
• Inconsistent to see past blocks and key the play.
• Shallow angles in pursuit leave him short.
• Failure to wrap up ball-carrier leads to misses.

 

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[BrAinPaiNt]

OT/OG AJANI CORNELIUS OREGON​

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Rounds 6-7

Overview​

A durable lineman with NFL traits and four years of starting experience, Cornelius lacks standout flashes on tape. He has been a full-time right tackle but lacks protection talent to stay outside as a pro. He has access to physical tools but needs to play with better bend and hand quickness to help stabilize his play. He can cover up defenders with size but is frequently out-leveraged at the point of attack. His average body control and slide quickness should be mitigated in smaller spaces but those issues will still be concerning against explosive interior rushers. The traits should make him a Day 3 target, but his ceiling might be as a backup.

Strengths​

• Good heft in lower half with broad waist and long arms.
• Rolls hips into angle blocks and runs his feet.
• Clean skip-pulls to get around the corner as a lead blocker.
• Able to set a late anchor if needed.
• Big hands gain wrist control at the point of attack.
• Long arms can buy him time when the punch is timed well.

Weaknesses​

• Subpar foot quickness and body control in space.
• Tardy with hand strike and beaten to placement.
• Drive power and contact balance sapped by tall pad level.
• Doesn’t play with enough control of hands/feet in protection.
• Gets knocked backward and into the pocket by power.
• Mirror can get pretty raggedy against counters.

Rating: 77.75 (Reserve/backup)
Pro Comparison: Caedan Wallace
Summary
Ajani Cornelius is a reasonably tall, somewhat high-cut right tackle prospect with a quality frame and solid athleticism. His tenacity at the point of attack stands out, but he must work on consistently sinking his pad level in the NFL -- he plays far too upright, which negatively impacts both his natural anchoring ability and power. While his grip strength helped him recover in college when being driven back, he needs to get significantly stronger to hold up against NFL power rushers.

As a run-blocker, Cornelius is particularly effective, especially in space. He’s one of the best in-space tackles in this class, excelling on pulls and second-level blocks. His plus burst allows him to quickly execute down blocks before climbing with accuracy and purpose. He’s more comfortable in this role than most taller tackles and shows a commendable feel for run-game execution.

In pass protection, his athletic kick slide is solid, but it needs to cover more ground and maintain speed against outside rushers. Speed threats off the edge give him trouble, often forcing him into recovery mode, where he wins ugly but does an adequate job regaining positioning. His balance is mostly quality -- he won’t be seen on the ground much, even when under duress. Right now, he’s a better run-blocker than pass-protector with the tools to develop, but he must add strength and refine his technique to maximize his potential at the next level.
About

• 2022 (at Rhode Island): First-team All-CAA
• 2024 (at Oregon) Second-team All-Big Ten

Strengths

• Tenacious style, already has a mean streak
• Long arms and tall frame
• Can win ugly

Weaknesses

• Must get considerably stronger
• Balance must improve
• Has to learn to lower pad level

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

DT JAY TOIA UCLA​

Summary
Jay Toia is an interior defender with a thicker lower-body build that allows him to fill two gaps. He has the strength, but not necessarily the quickness to stack and shed blockers and penetrate. Toia has a high floor in run defense but will offer little to nothing in pass-rush production.
About

• Career: 36 starts
• 2024: Honorable mention All-Big Ten

Strengths

• Thicker interior defender who excels in run defense
• Holds his ground well at the point of attack
• Good job squaring to the line of scrimmage
• Strength to stack and shed blockers

Weaknesses

• Limited lateral agility prevents him from impact outside zone runs
• Zero pass-rush potential

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Rounds 6-7

Overview​

Three-year starter with the build and mentality to play nose tackle in odd or even fronts. Toia carries a girthy base and is heavy into first contact. He has the power to give good resistance against all forms of blocks that come his way but a lack of length makes him more of a space eater than a block beater. He pummels single-block protection with violent club moves for sporadic pressures but is unlikely to get home. He’ll need to improve his block recognition and fine-tune his take-on to be his best version of a two-down run defender.

Strengths​

• Brings nose tackle thickness to the field.
• Good aggression and effort level on each snap.
• Battles double-teams with a wide base and strong back leg.
• Drive power to penetrate the line versus finesse blocks.
• Opens rush edge with violent slaps and club moves.

Weaknesses​

• Average hand quickness getting into first contact.
• Lack of length allows blocks to crowd his chest.
• Could struggle with shed quickness as an NFL two-gapper.
• Unlikely to maintain gap integrity against stretch plays.
• Tethered to his starting point, limiting his production.

 

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[BrAinPaiNt]

RB PHIL MAFAH CLEMSON​

Overview​

Mafah runs hard and keeps the carry on track. He is big and tight-hipped with a linear running style that gathers momentum as the run proceeds. He’s tough but clunky as an interior runner with a lack of vision and wiggle to find additional yards if there isn’t a wide-open lane. Mafah might need to prove himself on special teams to offer enough roster flexibility to make it as an RB3.

Strengths​

• Totes the rock in a linebacker-like frame.
• Keeps runs on their track and rarely gets caught trying to do too much.
• Follows blocks and steers them into contact before cutting.
• Heavy behind his pads and wears tacklers down.
• Accelerates through contact as a run finisher.

Weaknesses​

• Lacks initial quickness to get the run kicked off.
• Tight-hipped with limited quickness in his cuts.
• Unable to side-step defenders in smaller spaces.
• Transmission lacks acceleration and gear shifts.
• Doesn’t offer much in the passing game.

Summary
Phil Mafah is a compact, downhill runner with solid vision between the tackles but lacks explosive burst and dynamic movement. He flashes occasional one-cut ability but has below-average long speed and quickness. Despite his thick frame, he struggles to break through first contact at the second level and doesn’t consistently deliver power.

His pass protection is inconsistent, with flashes of strength but issues processing blitzes. As a receiver, he’s limited to occasional screens and swing passes. Lacking high-end athletic traits or a defining skill, Mafah’s upside is capped, but his vision could help him carve out a situational role.
About

• 2024: Third team All-ACC
• 2024: 1,115 rushing yards (fifth-most in ACC)

Strengths

• Shows solid vision between the tackles and a physical downhill running style
• Flashes of impressive one-cut ability for his size
• Very reliable in pass pro

Weaknesses

• Lacks explosive burst and dynamic movement for the position
• Struggles to break first contact at the second level despite his build
• Limited as a receiving threat

 

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[BrAinPaiNt]

DT TOMMY AKINGBESOTE MARYLAND​

Overview​

Akingbesote possesses the size, length and athleticism for consideration as an even-front three-technique or an odd-front defensive end. He gets off the ball with adequate quickness and has the length to punch, separate and create opportunities. When he’s not first in, stronger guards tend to keep him under control. The sack production is lower, but tape flashes show there is meat on that bone. Akingbesote isn’t ready for the pro game right now, but he has traits and developmental potential if a team is willing to invest the time.

Strengths​

• Able to strike first and lift blocker’s pad level.
• Can shed and tackle when utilizing his length.
• Adequate movement in space to stress the offense.
• Good stab-and-swim move can quickly beat protection.
• Foot agility sets up edge-to-edge rush counters.

Weaknesses​

• Zone blockers play across his face on the back side.
• Has trouble swiping guard’s punch off his frame.
• Doesn’t play with strength/hand usage to whip single blocks.
• Needs better block take-on versus double teams.
• Below-average conversion of acceleration to power.

Summary
Tommy Akingbesote has great length, but he plays with high pad level in the run game, which leads to him getting washed out of gaps. He shows a spin move with varying levels of success. Akingbesote plays to the whistle and is physical at the point of attack. A natural athlete, Akingsbesote struggles with hand usage to disengage.
About

• Career: 44 games played
• 2024: 32 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble in his first season as a full-time starter (12 games)

Strengths

• Great length
• Good top-end speed and acceleration
• Good waist bend at the high side
• Powerful hands

Weaknesses

• High pad level leads to getting washed out of run gaps
• 18.8% missed tackle rate in 2024, per TruMedia
• Disengaging from blocks

Combine Data

• 40-yard dash: 5.09 seconds
• Vertical jump: 28 inches
• Broad jump: 8 feet, 7 inches

 

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[Kwyn]

Thanks Brainpaint and thanks for running the chat all three days