Surprise player labeled Cowboys' most questionable pick in 2025 NFL draft

This questionable pick for the Dallas Cowboys isn’t the expected name.

Florida linebacker Shemar James during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys have been given their flowers for their 2025 NFL draft haul.

There were early grumblings when they went with Alabama guard Tyler Booker at No. 12, but every pick after that seemed to bring excellent value.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys legend explains Shedeur Sanders' fall in 2025 NFL draft

Still, the Booker pick remains the one that will be discussed more than any other, but surprisingly isn’t the one CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards was worried about. While naming one questionable selection for every NFL team, Edwards went with Florida linebacker Shemar James over Booker.

Florida Gators linebacker Shemar James gestures before the snap against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

”James lacks the ideal mass to play in the box and struggles to consistently deconstruct blocks. His missed tackle rate was too high. Dallas has an infatuation with those athletic linebackers with streamlined frames, which has likely contributed to its run-defense issues. Alabama offensive guard Tyler Booker going No. 12 overall was a bit of a surprise after how poorly he tested but the tape validates where he was taken.”

MORE: Cowboys make 5 moves to reach NFL 90-man roster limit with exemption

Edwards still mentioned Booker, but states his tape justified the selection.

Florida Gators linebacker Shemar James tackles UCF Knights running back RJ Harvey. | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

As for James, the Cowboys were high enough on him to trade up in the fifth round to ensure they landed the SEC linebacker. They also bolstered their defensive line, in hopes of freeing up their athletic linebackers to fly around the field and make plays.

Time will tell if James can be a solid pro, but he fits the team’s linebacker profile and wasn’t an early pick. If that was their most questionable move, then it really was a great weekend.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Dallas Cowboys go for offensive star in way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft

Cowboys rookie minicamp dates 2025: Full offseason workout details

Dallas Cowboys listed among 5 most improved teams following 2025 NFL draft

'Explosive' Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue compared to Detroit Lions superstar

Meet Reece Allman: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix docuseries