Predicting Cowboys' Early 2025 NFL Draft Big Board

The Dallas Cowboys front office didn't give their fanbase much to get excited about in the 2024 offseason. The team's version of going "all-in" this offseason mostly came down to a draft class that included two offensive linemen in the first two picks and a defensive end.

The good news is that most of the Cowboys recent success can be attributed to their ability to draft.

Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott highlight a roster that is primarily made up of homegrown talent.

With that in mind, it's fair for fans to already have an eye on the 2025 NFL draft. It might be the their next best opportunity to add some exciting new pieces.

Based on their long-term roster outlook, a projected pick in the latter third of the first-round and an early look at talent, here are three names who should be atop their early big board.

3. RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 4: Running back Ollie Gordon II #0 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys carries the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners in the third quarter of Bedlam at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 4, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State won 27-24. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

The fact that the first running back didn't come off the board this year until the 46th overall selection when the Carolina Panthers took Jonathan Brooks was not surprising. What was surprising was that the Cowboys were not one of the 19 teams that at least took one running back.

If things hold to form, Ollie Gordon II is not going to have to wait 45 picks to get taken next spring.

Gordon was one of the most productive players in college football last season, going for over 2,000 yards for scrimmage and scoring 21 touchdowns. According to PFF, he placed third among FBS running backs with a maximum speed of 23.1 miles per hour.

At 6'2", 216 pounds, he's a bigger back with excellent vision. Combine that with his breakaway speed and he brings a lot of juice to the position.

That's something Dallas is going to be desperate for after getting through this season with a backfield rotation that's set to include Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott this season.

Taking a running back in the first round is not in vogue, but Gordon could be worth the investment if he stays healthy.

2. WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Jason Mowry/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 18: Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes catches a pass during the second quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

Emeka Egbuka is one of a few Ohio State prospects who might have been first-rounders had they declared for the draft. Instead, they will head back to Columbus in an attempt to win a national championship.

Regardless of how that goes, Egbuka will be in the first-round conversation again.

B/R scout Derrik Klassen put together a scouting report on the Buckeyes receiver before he announced his decision to go back to school.

"Egbuka is going to be a great failsafe for an NFL offense. He always knows how to get open, and he has the hands to finish plays. Egbuka has the skill set to be a consistent producer from the slot for the next decade," he wrote.

The 6'1", 206-pound receiver is a strong route-runner with consistent hands. He could also be a long-term answer as the team's No. 2 receiver behind CeeDee Lamb.

Egbuka has primarily worked out of the slot and that will likely be his home in the NFL, but he has the size to moonlight as a Z. That would make him a great fit in Dallas as Lamb can play all over the formation.

1. Edge Nic Scourton, Texas A&M

Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 16: Purdue Boilermakers Outside Linebacker Nic Scourton (5) defends during the college football game between the Syracuse Orange and the Purdue Boilermakers on September 16, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Cowboys just drafted Marshawn Kneeland in the second round but it wouldn't be surprising if they were still looking for an elite prospect on the edge when next year's draft rolls around.

DeMarcus Lawrence is 32 years old and has two years left on his contract. Sam Williams has yet to break out entering his third year in the league and the Cowboys lost additional defensive line depth with the departure of Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr.

If the Cowboys can find a true No. 2 pass rusher to pair with Micah Parsons and use Kneeland and Williams as their primary rotators on the edge they would have a nasty pass rush for years to come.

Nic Scourton could be that prospect that ties it all together. At 6'4", 280 pounds, he's a massive defensive lineman who posted 10 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss at Purdue last season. He transferred to Texas A&M this offseason so he'll get the opportunity to show his skills against SEC competition every week.

Scourton's versatility, power and production make him a great fit to round out the young core of Cowboys defensive linemen that they've been building.