Throwback to the 2014 NFL Draft. The Cowboys‘ owner, Jerry Jones, was at a crossroads: QB Johnny Manziel or the OT Zack Martin? However, in a very rare scenario, he turned towards his son and the franchise EVP, Stephen Jones. Well, the father-son duo shares mutual love and respect. But when it comes to making decisions for the team, the EVP is a tough decision-maker. He understood the need of the hour and chose Martin. He became a legendary player for America’s Team. This year too, they have taken some tough decisions. Some of them might anger the supporters of Dak Prescott.

After drafting the Alabama OG Tyler Booker in the first round (16th overall), the franchise drafted the Boston DE Donovan Ezeiruaku in the second round (44th overall) and East Carolina CB Shavon Revel in the 3rd round (76th). The class is shaping up well.

While talking about the 7 leftover picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, Stephen Jones said, “We have met a lot of top-end 4th-round picks, 5th-round picks, 6th-round, 7th-round picks over the years that have gone on to be good players. We’ll continue to see where that takes us and you know, feel good for what we’re doing so far.”

This is the first year since 2013 that the franchise is playing without Zack Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence. While Martin retired in February, Lawrence also moved (with rather bitter parting words) to the Seahawks in free agency. So it’s no wonder the Cowboys want to move up with defensive strength.

Dak Prescott also wanted offensive players. Fans hoped his wish would be fulfilled, but the franchise hasn’t done it yet.

Cowboys delay offensive weapons for their quarterback

The first pick of the Cowboys in the 2025 Draft is the Alabama OG Tyler Booker. The Cowboys filled Martin’s vacant place with a fresh face. Jerry Jones had earlier said that the offensive line was their priority than the running backs. This mindset reflected in the draft as well.

Pete Prisco, NFL analyst, had earlier praised the lineman, “He is one of my favorite offensive linemen in this draft. He’s a mauler. He is a little limited in terms of athletic ability, but he works for the Cowboys as they try and get better up front.” However, the fans want a receiver for Dak Prescott. As Stephen Jones explained, “I think at the end of the day, you are trying to pick the best player on the board.”

The franchise ignored ace receivers like Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan. WR CeeDee Lamb also needs a receiver on the field to split the attention he receives. Still, the Cowboys’ brain trust seems confident that patience will pay off. With seven picks remaining, Dallas isn’t out of options yet. While fans eagerly await the addition of offensive weapons to support Dak Prescott, the front office remains focused on building a balanced and formidable roster.

For now, the message is clear: the Cowboys are prioritizing structure over sizzle. It might not be the instant gratification Prescott and the fans were hoping for, but it’s a bet on long-term stability—a strategy that worked out pretty well the last time the front office chose substance over flash in 2014. Whether that patience turns into production will be the real test heading into the 2025 season.