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Cowboys make shocking defensive pick in new NFL mock draft

The Dallas Cowboys could make a surprise selection as they start their 2025 NFL Draft class.
Jeremy Brener|
Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron receives the most outstanding player award after a victory over Arizona State.
Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron receives the most outstanding player award after a victory over Arizona State. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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The Dallas Cowboys could go in a bunch of different directions with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The team has been looking at adding a playmaker on the offensive side of the ball at either running back or wide receiver, but there's reason to believe that the Cowboys could look for a defensive prospect with their first pick in the draft.

MORE: Cowboys bolster secondary with impressive Texas DB in new NFL mock draft

Pro Football Focus writer Dalton Wasserman believes that the Cowboys could surprise by taking Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron.

Arizona State Sun Devils TE Chamon Metayer misses a catch under pressure from Texas Longhorns DB Jahdae Barron.
Arizona State Sun Devils TE Chamon Metayer misses a catch under pressure from Texas Longhorns DB Jahdae Barron. | Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"Texas’ Jahdae Barron brings over 900 snaps of experience playing inside and was the highest-graded cornerback in zone coverage across the FBS in 2024 — a skill set that would make him a strong fit in Matt Eberflus’ scheme."


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Barron might be a reach at No. 12, but he fills a need for the team and brings a ton of talent to the table.

The surprise with the potential pick would be how high Barron would go, but if the Cowboys traded down a few slots, it might make more sense for Dallas.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff.
Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Barron could immediately be inserted into the starting lineup for the Cowboys, giving them one less position to worry about going into the season.

The NFL Draft is set for April 24-26 from Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round.
Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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