Dak Prescott’s injury in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons completely derailed the Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season. The Cowboys lost that game in Atlanta and were blown out in their next two games by a combined 52 points.
Then-head coach Mike McCarthy managed to steady the team with some respectable performances, but it wasn’t enough. According to PFSN’s latest seven-round mock draft, Dallas is looking to prevent a similar collapse in 2025 and beyond.
What Do the Cowboys Need?
The 2024 season exposed the Cowboys’ struggles in the run game, both offensively and defensively. The team tied for 30th in rushing yards per attempt (4.0) and rushing yards allowed per attempt (4.8). They also gave up the most rushing touchdowns in the league (25) while scoring the fewest (6).
Leading rusher Rico Dowdle averaged 2.4 yards before contact in 2024—neither great nor terrible. For comparison, that was significantly lower than Derrick Henry (3.1), Jahmyr Gibbs (3.3), and Saquon Barkley (3.8) but better than Kenneth Walker III (1.7), Najee Harris (1.9), and Josh Jacobs (2.0).
The offensive line will need to improve next season, and the team must also address the running back position. The reported signing of Javonte Williams is a start but may not be enough for Cowboys fans who saw the team struggle after neglecting the position. The retirement of 11-year starter Zack Martin presents another challenge that will need to be addressed.
On defense, the Cowboys made a big move by re-signing Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year, $80 million deal. They followed that by agreeing to deals with Solomon Thomas and Payton Turner, adding depth to their defensive line.
Dallas Keeps It Local, Adds Quarterback in Fifth Round
Despite their issues in the run game, PFSN’s mock draft has the Cowboys making major moves in the passing game. After selecting Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden with the 12th overall pick, Dallas is projected to take Dak Prescott’s potential backup or replacement in the fifth round.
Golden caught 58 passes in 2024, most of them from quarterback Quinn Ewers. The two could reunite in Dallas, as Ewers is projected to follow Golden with the 150th overall pick.
Ewers’ arm elasticity makes him a passing threat from almost any platform. He has the strength to complement his unique throwing angles, and while he isn’t overly fast or explosive, he’s quick enough to create plays when needed.
However, Ewers’ execution remains inconsistent, largely due to his mechanics. While he’s fluid and flexible as a passer, his loose, free-styling mechanics can hurt his timing and alignment. His arm talent can make up for some of those issues, but his accuracy across the field is inconsistent due to his lack of base discipline.
Time will tell if Prescott can return to form after such a significant injury. Already more of a pocket passer than in his early years, his mobility could be further limited in 2025 and beyond. Ewers isn’t a dynamic runner, but with the right coaching, he could develop into a solid NFL pocket passer.