Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer has provided a hint about what type of players the organization will consider with their first pick in the 2025 Draft.
Schottenheimer discussed the upcoming draft and said the team is “always looking for gamechangers” with high picks and that the plan is to build from the outside.
“You’re looking for guys who influence the game. How do you influence the game? You rush the quarterback, and you get sacks, strip sacks, fumbles, whatever it is, you score touchdowns… I look at this way, you build it from the outside, in,” he explained, per Cowboys Wire.
Schottenhemeimer further explained that certain positions deal with opposing players in one-on-one sets, which is incredibly valuable on the field during games.
“You got corners and receivers, because they get isolated one-on-one,” he said, per Cowboys Wire.
“Pass-rushers and tackles, they get isolated one-on-one.”
Schottenhiemer’s statements also coincide with the claims made by Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones, who said the team is “open to looking at a really explosive No. 2 [wide receiver] that could upgrade us,” as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
The Cowboys’ comments indicate that the team is likely to pursue a wide receiver early in the draft, with many believing Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan will fall to America’s Team in the first round.
These rumors have only gotten bigger in recent days.
NFL draft analyst Todd McShay recently claimed that he is “hearing a lot of noise about Tet going 12 to Dallas,” according to Bleacher Report.
Other potential options at the wide receiver position include Missouri’s Luther Burden III or Texas’s Matthew Golden. However, each of those players is expected to be drafted later and could be available if Dallas trades down.
As Schottenheimer discussed, Dallas could also seek help on defense if the team believes a player will thrive in the NFL.
Potential options at the 12th include Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, or Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham.
The Dallas Express recently made a shocking mock draft prediction that Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker would be selected by Dallas with the 12th pick, as he plays a similar style to Micah Parsons and could help in some pass coverage and along the defensive line.
Although some have theorized that the franchise could select an offensive lineman early in the draft following the retirement of guard Zack Martin, Schottenheimer seems content with the group the team has heading into next season.
“I would never bet against Brock Hoffman,” he said, per A to Z Sports.
“Brock Hoffman, man, if I was in a back room of a bar and had to get out, the way he’s wired, he would be one of the first guys I want with me. Absolutely, he’s just wired the right way. The flexibility, being able to play center and guard, of course, is the puzzle we have to fit together. Brock Hoffman, the intensity and the way he plays the game is hard to find.”
Schottenheimer’s belief in the current offensive line and his comments about building from the outside make it seem unlikely that the team will look to improve this group in the draft.