Cowboys insider zeros in on first-round players fans should know

Q: What are the Dallas Cowboys' current draft picks for the 2025 NFL draft?

The Dallas Cowboys currently hold two first-round picks, including the 12th overall pick.

Q: Why might the Dallas Cowboys want to move up in the NFL draft?

The Cowboys are looking to make a significant impact and may want to select a specific player they believe can enhance their team.

Q: Who are the potential first-round players the Cowboys should consider?

While specific names are not mentioned, fans are encouraged to familiarize themselves with top prospects as the draft approaches.

Q: What challenges do the Cowboys face in moving up in the draft?

The Cowboys may find the asking price to move up too high, which could force them to stick with their current draft position.

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 11: Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers catches the ball during warm-up before the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Neyland Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Cory Knowlton/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images

The NFL draft is fast approaching, and the Dallas Cowboys remain one of the most interesting teams ahead of night one with two first-round picks. There has been a ton of buzz among insiders and draft analysts alike, suggesting Dallas might be trying to make a splash and move up from the 12th overall pick.

It takes two to tango, and while the Cowboys might have all the ambition in the world to go up and get their guy, the asking price might be more than they are willing to pay. In the case where Dallas has to still stick and pick, there are a few names fans should familiarize themselves with before they’re on the clock.

During a recent mailbag with Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, a fan asked which prospects we are not talking about who could be connected to the Cowboys. Harris shared his list of names.

Q: Who are some prospects we aren’t talking about enough? We’ve heard Dallas loves Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood, but anyone flying under the radar? —@BigPapaZimmer

A: This is a fun one. I think Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor, San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson and Miami cornerback Keionte Scott are all defenders whom Cowboys fans should monitor. Of course, the top four of LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, [Caleb] Downs, [Sonny] Styles and [Rueben] Bain are names to watch, too. And if the Cowboys get to No. 20 and still haven’t taken a defensive back, I would definitely pencil in Hood.

Outside of the usual suspects, the Cowboys have shown keen interest in cornerback prospects. Colton Hood, Chris Johnson, and Keionte Scott are three players who could go in the late first round to early second round. From Harris’ answer, it sounds like if all three were on the board at 20th overall, and Dallas didn’t trade out of the pick, then Hood would be the selection.

When Jermod McCoy missed the entirety of last season at Tennessee, Hood stepped up as CB1 for the Volunteers. According to Pro Football Focus, Hood had a defensive grade of 79.2, which ranks tied for 24th among cornerback prospects in this class. He finished the year with one interception and eight pass breakups. The two-time transfer had his highest graded season at Tennessee after spending time at Colorado and Auburn.

At just 21 years old, the redshirt sophomore certainly has room to grow as a player. If the Cowboys end up selecting Hood in the first round and we hear defensive coordinator Christian Parker talk about a player with untapped potential as an unfinished product, that should get fans very excited.

Parker is one of the best evaluators when it comes to secondary players, so his stamp of approval should speak volumes with whichever secondary player Dallas may take on draft weekend. Hood could become a plus starter with the right teacher, and Dallas certainly has one of the best, if not the best, teachers at the position in the league in their building.