Dallas Cowboys Draft Targets: Players to Watch at the NFL Combine

As the NFL offseason heats up, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a pivotal moment, ready to make strategic decisions that could shape the future of their roster. While the team has long been a playoff contender, it is clear that there are still areas in need of improvement if they want to compete for a Super Bowl title. With a solid core of talent on both sides of the ball, the Cowboys’ front office has been looking toward the 2025 NFL Draft as a chance to add the finishing touches that could take them to the next level.

In order to maximize their draft success, the Cowboys will rely heavily on scouting and evaluating talent at this year’s NFL Combine. As one of the most important pre-draft events, the Combine will give the Cowboys’ front office and coaching staff the chance to evaluate prospective players up close and personal, assessing their athleticism, skills, and overall potential. With several positions of need across the roster, the Cowboys will be closely monitoring top draft prospects, focusing on athletes who can make an immediate impact.

In this article, we will highlight some of the key players to watch at the NFL Combine that could be ideal draft targets for the Dallas Cowboys. From the defensive side of the ball to positions of need on offense, these players have the potential to help the Cowboys strengthen their roster, address weaknesses, and ultimately improve their chances of Super Bowl contention in the coming seasons.

1. Jalen Carter – Defensive Tackle, Georgia

One of the most talked-about prospects in the 2025 draft class is Jalen Carter, the defensive tackle from the University of Georgia. Carter has been a dominant force on Georgia’s defensive line, and his combination of size, strength, and athleticism has made him a top-tier draft prospect. For the Dallas Cowboys, the need for a disruptive force in the middle of their defense is a glaring issue, and Carter could be the answer to their prayers.

Why Jalen Carter Makes Sense for the Cowboys:

The Cowboys’ defense has been one of the team’s biggest strengths in recent seasons, particularly with the stellar play of their linebackers and secondary. However, their defensive line has often lacked the interior presence that can dominate games and disrupt the opposing offense. While the Cowboys have solid edge rushers like Micah Parsons, they need someone who can collapse the pocket from the inside and make quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket.

Carter’s quickness and power as a pass rusher make him a potentially game-changing addition. His ability to disrupt the run game also gives him value as a well-rounded defensive tackle. His physical tools and relentless motor have made him a top draft prospect, and his performance at the Combine could solidify his status as one of the best players available.

What to Watch for at the Combine:

At the Combine, scouts will be watching closely to see how Carter performs in the 40-yard dash, shuttle drills, and bench press. His agility and speed for his size will be crucial in determining how effective he could be at the next level, especially as a pass rusher. Additionally, his ability to showcase his strength will be vital in proving that he can handle the physical demands of the NFL.

Carter’s Combine performance could prove to be the final factor in whether or not the Cowboys should pull the trigger on drafting him with a top pick. His upside as a dominant force in the middle of the defensive line could help elevate the Cowboys’ defense to another level.

2. Bijan Robinson – Running Back, Texas

Another player to keep an eye on during the Combine is Bijan Robinson, the running back from the University of Texas. Robinson is widely regarded as one of the top offensive talents in this draft class, and his unique blend of vision, speed, and power has led many to compare him to some of the NFL’s best backs. While the Cowboys have a solid running back in Tony Pollard, Robinson’s ability to be a true three-down back and his elite ball skills could make him a highly attractive target for Dallas.

Why Bijan Robinson Makes Sense for the Cowboys:

The Cowboys have been known for their strong running game, but the recent injury to Pollard has raised questions about the team’s depth in the backfield. While Pollard is a dynamic player, he is also coming off an injury, and the Cowboys may want to add another player who can carry the load when necessary. Enter Bijan Robinson.

Robinson is one of the most complete backs in the draft, with the ability to break tackles, hit home runs in the open field, and catch passes out of the backfield. His balance and vision make him a tough player to bring down, and his elusiveness allows him to create big plays in space. Adding Robinson to a backfield that already includes Pollard could give the Cowboys one of the most dangerous running back tandems in the NFL.

While Robinson would be an investment at running back early in the draft, he could significantly enhance the Cowboys’ offensive versatility, providing them with a player who could dominate both on the ground and through the air.

What to Watch for at the Combine:

At the Combine, Robinson will be heavily scrutinized for his 40-yard dash time, agility drills, and ability to showcase his speed in open space. Teams will want to see if he can consistently break away from defenders and create separation. Additionally, his pass-catching ability will be tested, as many teams are now looking for running backs who can be effective in the passing game. Robinson’s performance at the Combine will be critical in confirming his status as one of the top draft prospects.

If Robinson impresses at the Combine, the Cowboys could very well prioritize him as a top draft pick, especially if they believe he can be the all-around running back they need to elevate their offense.

3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Wide Receiver, Ohio State

One of the most highly anticipated wide receiver prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft is Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State. Known for his incredible route-running, soft hands, and ability to make plays after the catch, Smith-Njigba has the potential to be a game-changing wide receiver at the next level. The Dallas Cowboys have a solid group of pass catchers, including CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, but they may still be looking for a third receiver who can contribute immediately and add another weapon to Dak Prescott’s arsenal.

Why Jaxon Smith-Njigba Makes Sense for the Cowboys:

The Cowboys’ passing attack has been highly effective with CeeDee Lamb emerging as a top-tier receiver, but they still lack a true third option behind Lamb and Gallup. While Gallup is a proven player, his injury history and lack of consistent playmaking have raised questions about his long-term future with the team. Smith-Njigba would bring elite route-running and big-play ability, which could help create additional mismatches for opposing defenses.

Smith-Njigba’s ability to operate both in the slot and on the outside would give the Cowboys’ offense versatility. His quickness and crisp route running would help him get open quickly, and he has the ability to stretch the field with his speed. Adding a dynamic player like Smith-Njigba would give Dak Prescott another reliable option and increase the overall potency of the passing game.

What to Watch for at the Combine:

At the Combine, Smith-Njigba will be evaluated on his speed, route-running, and ability to separate from defenders. While his tape already speaks for itself in terms of his ability to make plays, teams will want to see him perform in drills that test his quickness and ability to track the ball in the air. His vertical jump and 40-yard dash time will be key indicators of his athleticism and explosiveness. If he performs well in these areas, Smith-Njigba could solidify himself as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the class.

Smith-Njigba could be the perfect complement to CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, and his ability to step into a prominent role as a rookie could make him an attractive draft target for the Cowboys.

4. Tyree Wilson – Edge Rusher, Texas Tech

With a potent defense that includes stars like Micah Parsons, the Cowboys may look to add another edge rusher to the mix. Tyree Wilson, the edge rusher from Texas Tech, could be the ideal addition to their defense. Wilson has the size, strength, and pass-rushing prowess to be a force off the edge, and adding him would provide even more depth to an already impressive defensive front.

Why Tyree Wilson Makes Sense for the Cowboys:

While the Cowboys have one of the best edge rushers in Micah Parsons, the team still needs additional pass-rushing depth to help with long-term sustainability. Wilson could rotate in as a complement to Parsons and help alleviate some of the pressure Parsons faces. Wilson’s versatility to play in various defensive schemes also gives the Cowboys an edge, allowing them to be more dynamic on defense.

What to Watch for at the Combine:

At the Combine, Wilson will be evaluated based on his 40-yard dash, shuttle drills, and agility. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and ability to bend around the edge will be key components of his evaluation. Wilson’s Combine performance will give scouts a closer look at his pass-rushing potential and ability to thrive in the NFL.

The 2025 NFL Combine will be a crucial event for the Dallas Cowboys as they look to identify talent that can help them compete for a Super Bowl. With several positions of need, including defensive tackle, running back, wide receiver, and edge rusher, the Cowboys have a unique opportunity to strengthen their roster. Jalen Carter, Bijan Robinson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyree Wilson are just a few of the top prospects that could make a significant impact on the Cowboys’ future. As the Combine approaches, Dallas fans can expect their team’s front office to closely monitor the performances of these players, with hopes that they can add the right pieces to help propel them to the next level.