Cowboys aim to reshape team culture in Brian Schottenheimer's first draft

Brian Schottenheimer has a vision for the Dallas Cowboys, which is evident in their draft selections.

Boston College Eagles defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku in action during the game between the SMU Mustangs and the Boston College Eagles. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys struggled throughout the 2024 NFL season, during which questions about leadership and culture arose. This year, they're turning over a new leaf with Brian Schottenheimer taking over as the head coach.

Schottenheimer was a surprising hire, but he's won over critics with his impressive staff hires and ability to get the entire franchise focused on the same vision. That was evident during the 2025 NFL Draft as the Cowboys hit a home run with nearly every pick, but had one primary focus.

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Dallas didn't want to just find good players, but they wanted players who inspired their teammates. That's what attracted them to first-round pick Tyler Booker as well as second-round selection Donovan Ezeiruaku.

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

ESPN's Todd Archer points out that both players were voted team captains, as was Florida linebacker Shemar James. Archer also said that Shavon Revel Jr. worked at an Amazon factory before getting a scholarship at East Carolina.

While praising the character of their rookie class, Schottenheimer said that the best players he's ever been around have also been great leaders.

"The football character, the football instincts, the competitive spirit were things that we were all looking for," Schottenheimer said via Archer. "But again, I think we've got outstanding football players that just happen to have incredible intangibles in leadership. It goes a long way. Some of the best players I've ever been around, LaDainian Tomlinson and Drew Brees, they weren't just great football players, they were great people, they were great leaders."

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Dallas has been one of the more successful teams in the regular season for the past several decades. They've also been one of the least successful in the postseason.

Schottenheimer wants to fix this, and doing so means addressing the culture. That was the focus in his first draft, and it seems he's off to a great start.

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