Risen Star
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I asked X's (Twitter) AI Grok to project the pro careers of the players the Cowboys drafted this year.
It's first response tried to play both sides of the fence with here's the upside and here's the floor. So I asked for definitive outcomes on each player's pro career and here is what it gave me.
There's a surprise or two in here.
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1. Tyler Booker, G, Alabama (1st Round, Pick 12)
Profile: A 6’4⅞”, 321-lb left guard with 34½” arms and 11” hands, Booker was a two-year starter at Alabama, earning first-team All-American honors in 2024. He allowed just six blown blocks in 740 snaps, excelling in run-heavy schemes
Definitive Outcome: Booker becomes a perennial Pro Bowl right guard, starting immediately in place of Zack Martin and anchoring the Cowboys’ offensive line for 10+ years. His physicality and low error rate translate seamlessly to the NFL, making him a top-5 guard by 2028. He signs a lucrative second contract and becomes a team captain, cementing his status as a cornerstone player. His limited quickness prevents All-Pro status, but he’s a reliable starter who protects Dak Prescott and powers a top-10 rushing attack.
Rationale: Booker’s elite run-blocking and durability align with Dallas’ trench-focused strategy under Brian Schottenheimer. His selection at No. 12, though seen as a reach by some, fills a critical need. Historical success of Alabama linemen (e.g., Quinnen Williams) supports his high floor.
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2. Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE, Boston College (2nd Round, Pick 44)
Profile: A 6’2”, 250-lb edge rusher with 30 career sacks, including 16.5 in 2024, leading the ACC. His high motor and pass-rush production made him a projected first-rounder who fell to the second round.
Definitive Outcome: Ezeiruaku develops into a consistent double-digit sack artist, starting opposite Micah Parsons by 2027 after Dante Fowler Jr. and Sam Williams depart. He earns a Pro Bowl nod by his fourth season and signs a long-term deal as a core defensive piece. His relentless energy makes him a fan favorite, though he never surpasses Parsons as the defense’s alpha.
Rationale: Ezeiruaku’s sack totals and athleticism suggest a high ceiling, and his value at pick 44 is a steal. The Cowboys’ need for edge depth, with contract uncertainties, positions him for a starting role. Comparisons to players like Haason Reddick support his trajectory.
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3. Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina (3rd Round, Pick 76)
Profile: A 6’3” corner with an 87.5 PFF man-coverage grade, Revel was a projected early-round pick before a 2024 ACL tear. Dallas’ team doctor’s involvement in his surgery gives confidence in his recovery.
Definitive Outcome: Revel fully recovers by 2026, becoming the Cowboys’ CB2 opposite DaRon Bland. His length and coverage skills lock down No. 2 receivers, earning him a starting role for six seasons. He notches 15 career interceptions but never reaches Pro Bowl status due to inconsistent ball skills. He signs a modest second contract before finishing his career as a solid starter elsewhere.
Rationale: Revel’s pre-injury tape shows elite potential, and Dallas’ need for young corners (with Diggs’ injury history and Lewis’ departure) ensures opportunity. His ACL recovery is the key variable, but the Cowboys’ medical insight mitigates risk.
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4. Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas (5th Round, Pick 149)
Profile: A 5’9”, 196-lb speedster with a 4.38 40-yard dash, Blue had six receiving TDs in 2024 but fumbled seven times in college (five in 2024). He was a backup to Bijan Robinson and Jonathon Brooks.
Definitive Outcome: Blue overcomes his fumble issues to become a dynamic third-down back and return specialist, carving out a six-year career as a complementary piece. He averages 500 all-purpose yards annually but never becomes a lead back due to his size and limited power. He leaves Dallas after his rookie contract for a similar role elsewhere.
Rationale: Blue’s speed and receiving ability fit modern NFL offenses, but his fumble history and small frame cap his role. Comparisons to Tarik Cohen suggest a niche but not starring career. Dallas’ crowded RB room limits his ceiling.
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5. Shemar James, LB, Florida (5th Round, Pick 152)
Profile: A 20-year-old (21 in June 2025) linebacker with strong blitzing skills but raw coverage ability. Dallas traded up to select him, indicating belief in his upside.
Definitive Outcome: James develops into a starting middle linebacker by 2027, replacing Kenneth Murray. His athleticism and blitzing prowess lead to 8-10 sacks per season, earning him a Pro Bowl nod in his fifth year. He signs a second contract with Dallas, becoming a defensive leader for eight seasons, though his coverage limitations prevent elite status.
Rationale: James’ youth and athletic profile make him a high-upside project. Dallas’ trade-up suggests confidence in his development, and the linebacker room’s turnover provides a clear path to starting.
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6. Ajani Cornelius, OL, Oregon (6th Round, Pick 204)
Profile: A 6’4”, 312-lb lineman with experience at right tackle and guard, Cornelius allowed just three sacks in 1,011 pass-blocking snaps at Oregon. His versatility is a key asset.
Definitive Outcome: Cornelius becomes a reliable swing tackle and backup guard, playing eight seasons with Dallas. He starts 20-30 games over his career due to injuries on the line but never secures a full-time starting role due to inconsistent footwork. He retires as a respected depth player.
Rationale: Cornelius’ experience and versatility ensure a long career as a reserve, but his stiffness limits him to a backup role. Dallas’ emphasis on the offensive line gives him ample opportunity to stick.
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7. Jay Toia, DT, UCLA (7th Round, Pick 217)
Profile: A 6’2”, 341-lb nose tackle, Toia is a run-stuffing specialist with 19 pressures but only three college sacks, indicating limited pass-rush ability.
Definitive Outcome: Toia becomes a stalwart rotational nose tackle, playing seven seasons with Dallas. He anchors the run defense, averaging 30 tackles per year, but his one-dimensional play keeps him off the starting lineup. He signs a modest second contract before finishing his career as a journeyman backup.
Rationale: Toia’s size fills a critical need for Dallas’ porous run defense, but his lack of pass-rush juice limits his role. Comparisons to Johnathan Hankins suggest a niche but valuable career.
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8. Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson (7th Round, Pick 239)
Profile: A 6’1”, 230-lb power back with 2,887 career rushing yards and 28 TDs, including 1,115 yards in 2024. His downhill style complements Blue’s speed.
Definitive Outcome: Mafah emerges as the Cowboys’ lead back by 2027, leveraging his size for 800-1,000 yards per season in a committee. He earns a second contract as a starter for five years, retiring as a dependable but not elite RB, similar to Marion Barber.
Rationale: Mafah’s physicality and production make him a better fit for lead-back duties than Blue or aging veterans like Javonte Williams. His late-round value and fit in Dallas’ scheme ensure a clear path to carries.
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9. Tommy Akingbesote, DT, Maryland (7th Round, Pick 247)
Profile: A 6’4”, 320-lb DT with basketball athleticism, Akingbesote had 32 tackles and five tackles for loss in 2024. He’s a raw, high-upside project.
Definitive Outcome: Akingbesote spends two years on the practice squad before becoming a rotational 3-technique DT. He plays five seasons, peaking with 20-25 tackles annually, but never starts due to technical deficiencies. He bounces to another team after his rookie deal.
Rationale: Akingbesote’s athleticism offers upside, but his rawness and crowded DT depth (Odighizuwa, Smith, Toia) limit his role. Late-round DTs rarely become stars, but his frame ensures a roster spot.
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Summary of Definitive Outcomes
Starters (4): Booker (Pro Bowl guard, 10+ years), Ezeiruaku (Pro Bowl edge, 8+ years), James (Pro Bowl LB, 8 years), Mafah (lead RB, 5 years).
Key Contributors (2): Revel (CB2, 6 years), Toia (rotational DT, 7 years).
Depth Players (2): Cornelius (swing lineman, 8 years), Blue (third-down back, 6 years).
Limited Impact (1): Akingbesote (rotational DT, 5 years).
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Class Overview
This draft class transforms the Cowboys’ roster, with Booker and Ezeiruaku becoming immediate impact players and James and Mafah emerging as starters by 2027. Revel and Toia solidify key defensive roles, while Cornelius and Blue provide reliable depth. Akingbesote’s limited impact reflects his rawness, but the class overall produces four long-term starters and two Pro Bowlers, addressing critical needs in the trenches and at RB. The lack of a wide receiver is offset by the George Pickens trade, but the RB tandem of Mafah and Blue becomes a strength. This class elevates Dallas to a playoff contender by 2027, assuming coaching and health align.
It's first response tried to play both sides of the fence with here's the upside and here's the floor. So I asked for definitive outcomes on each player's pro career and here is what it gave me.
There's a surprise or two in here.
--
1. Tyler Booker, G, Alabama (1st Round, Pick 12)
Profile: A 6’4⅞”, 321-lb left guard with 34½” arms and 11” hands, Booker was a two-year starter at Alabama, earning first-team All-American honors in 2024. He allowed just six blown blocks in 740 snaps, excelling in run-heavy schemes
Definitive Outcome: Booker becomes a perennial Pro Bowl right guard, starting immediately in place of Zack Martin and anchoring the Cowboys’ offensive line for 10+ years. His physicality and low error rate translate seamlessly to the NFL, making him a top-5 guard by 2028. He signs a lucrative second contract and becomes a team captain, cementing his status as a cornerstone player. His limited quickness prevents All-Pro status, but he’s a reliable starter who protects Dak Prescott and powers a top-10 rushing attack.
Rationale: Booker’s elite run-blocking and durability align with Dallas’ trench-focused strategy under Brian Schottenheimer. His selection at No. 12, though seen as a reach by some, fills a critical need. Historical success of Alabama linemen (e.g., Quinnen Williams) supports his high floor.
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2. Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE, Boston College (2nd Round, Pick 44)
Profile: A 6’2”, 250-lb edge rusher with 30 career sacks, including 16.5 in 2024, leading the ACC. His high motor and pass-rush production made him a projected first-rounder who fell to the second round.
Definitive Outcome: Ezeiruaku develops into a consistent double-digit sack artist, starting opposite Micah Parsons by 2027 after Dante Fowler Jr. and Sam Williams depart. He earns a Pro Bowl nod by his fourth season and signs a long-term deal as a core defensive piece. His relentless energy makes him a fan favorite, though he never surpasses Parsons as the defense’s alpha.
Rationale: Ezeiruaku’s sack totals and athleticism suggest a high ceiling, and his value at pick 44 is a steal. The Cowboys’ need for edge depth, with contract uncertainties, positions him for a starting role. Comparisons to players like Haason Reddick support his trajectory.
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3. Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina (3rd Round, Pick 76)
Profile: A 6’3” corner with an 87.5 PFF man-coverage grade, Revel was a projected early-round pick before a 2024 ACL tear. Dallas’ team doctor’s involvement in his surgery gives confidence in his recovery.
Definitive Outcome: Revel fully recovers by 2026, becoming the Cowboys’ CB2 opposite DaRon Bland. His length and coverage skills lock down No. 2 receivers, earning him a starting role for six seasons. He notches 15 career interceptions but never reaches Pro Bowl status due to inconsistent ball skills. He signs a modest second contract before finishing his career as a solid starter elsewhere.
Rationale: Revel’s pre-injury tape shows elite potential, and Dallas’ need for young corners (with Diggs’ injury history and Lewis’ departure) ensures opportunity. His ACL recovery is the key variable, but the Cowboys’ medical insight mitigates risk.
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4. Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas (5th Round, Pick 149)
Profile: A 5’9”, 196-lb speedster with a 4.38 40-yard dash, Blue had six receiving TDs in 2024 but fumbled seven times in college (five in 2024). He was a backup to Bijan Robinson and Jonathon Brooks.
Definitive Outcome: Blue overcomes his fumble issues to become a dynamic third-down back and return specialist, carving out a six-year career as a complementary piece. He averages 500 all-purpose yards annually but never becomes a lead back due to his size and limited power. He leaves Dallas after his rookie contract for a similar role elsewhere.
Rationale: Blue’s speed and receiving ability fit modern NFL offenses, but his fumble history and small frame cap his role. Comparisons to Tarik Cohen suggest a niche but not starring career. Dallas’ crowded RB room limits his ceiling.
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5. Shemar James, LB, Florida (5th Round, Pick 152)
Profile: A 20-year-old (21 in June 2025) linebacker with strong blitzing skills but raw coverage ability. Dallas traded up to select him, indicating belief in his upside.
Definitive Outcome: James develops into a starting middle linebacker by 2027, replacing Kenneth Murray. His athleticism and blitzing prowess lead to 8-10 sacks per season, earning him a Pro Bowl nod in his fifth year. He signs a second contract with Dallas, becoming a defensive leader for eight seasons, though his coverage limitations prevent elite status.
Rationale: James’ youth and athletic profile make him a high-upside project. Dallas’ trade-up suggests confidence in his development, and the linebacker room’s turnover provides a clear path to starting.
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6. Ajani Cornelius, OL, Oregon (6th Round, Pick 204)
Profile: A 6’4”, 312-lb lineman with experience at right tackle and guard, Cornelius allowed just three sacks in 1,011 pass-blocking snaps at Oregon. His versatility is a key asset.
Definitive Outcome: Cornelius becomes a reliable swing tackle and backup guard, playing eight seasons with Dallas. He starts 20-30 games over his career due to injuries on the line but never secures a full-time starting role due to inconsistent footwork. He retires as a respected depth player.
Rationale: Cornelius’ experience and versatility ensure a long career as a reserve, but his stiffness limits him to a backup role. Dallas’ emphasis on the offensive line gives him ample opportunity to stick.
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7. Jay Toia, DT, UCLA (7th Round, Pick 217)
Profile: A 6’2”, 341-lb nose tackle, Toia is a run-stuffing specialist with 19 pressures but only three college sacks, indicating limited pass-rush ability.
Definitive Outcome: Toia becomes a stalwart rotational nose tackle, playing seven seasons with Dallas. He anchors the run defense, averaging 30 tackles per year, but his one-dimensional play keeps him off the starting lineup. He signs a modest second contract before finishing his career as a journeyman backup.
Rationale: Toia’s size fills a critical need for Dallas’ porous run defense, but his lack of pass-rush juice limits his role. Comparisons to Johnathan Hankins suggest a niche but valuable career.
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8. Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson (7th Round, Pick 239)
Profile: A 6’1”, 230-lb power back with 2,887 career rushing yards and 28 TDs, including 1,115 yards in 2024. His downhill style complements Blue’s speed.
Definitive Outcome: Mafah emerges as the Cowboys’ lead back by 2027, leveraging his size for 800-1,000 yards per season in a committee. He earns a second contract as a starter for five years, retiring as a dependable but not elite RB, similar to Marion Barber.
Rationale: Mafah’s physicality and production make him a better fit for lead-back duties than Blue or aging veterans like Javonte Williams. His late-round value and fit in Dallas’ scheme ensure a clear path to carries.
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9. Tommy Akingbesote, DT, Maryland (7th Round, Pick 247)
Profile: A 6’4”, 320-lb DT with basketball athleticism, Akingbesote had 32 tackles and five tackles for loss in 2024. He’s a raw, high-upside project.
Definitive Outcome: Akingbesote spends two years on the practice squad before becoming a rotational 3-technique DT. He plays five seasons, peaking with 20-25 tackles annually, but never starts due to technical deficiencies. He bounces to another team after his rookie deal.
Rationale: Akingbesote’s athleticism offers upside, but his rawness and crowded DT depth (Odighizuwa, Smith, Toia) limit his role. Late-round DTs rarely become stars, but his frame ensures a roster spot.
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Summary of Definitive Outcomes
Starters (4): Booker (Pro Bowl guard, 10+ years), Ezeiruaku (Pro Bowl edge, 8+ years), James (Pro Bowl LB, 8 years), Mafah (lead RB, 5 years).
Key Contributors (2): Revel (CB2, 6 years), Toia (rotational DT, 7 years).
Depth Players (2): Cornelius (swing lineman, 8 years), Blue (third-down back, 6 years).
Limited Impact (1): Akingbesote (rotational DT, 5 years).
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Class Overview
This draft class transforms the Cowboys’ roster, with Booker and Ezeiruaku becoming immediate impact players and James and Mafah emerging as starters by 2027. Revel and Toia solidify key defensive roles, while Cornelius and Blue provide reliable depth. Akingbesote’s limited impact reflects his rawness, but the class overall produces four long-term starters and two Pro Bowlers, addressing critical needs in the trenches and at RB. The lack of a wide receiver is offset by the George Pickens trade, but the RB tandem of Mafah and Blue becomes a strength. This class elevates Dallas to a playoff contender by 2027, assuming coaching and health align.
luv some of the outcomes, but a couple seem farfetched.
