In Dallas, draft weekend feels more like a national holiday than a football formality. Kids wear star-studded jerseys to school, barbecue grills blaze outside AT&T Stadium, and Cowboys fans hang on Jerry Jones’ every word like it’s a State of the Union address. But this year, the familiar excitement had a different edge — one tinged with concern.
Dak Prescott wanted help. The fans demanded it. And when Jerry Jones’ 12th overall pick went up to the podium, the moment felt heavy, like a quarterback staring down third-and-long. What followed sparked debates across every sports bar in Texas, leaving even the diehards wondering: did Jerry finally listen to his locker room?

The Cowboys chose 12th in the first round of the NFL Draft. Owner Jerry Jones and executive VP Stephen Jones kept assuring the fans that they would go after the best player available. The EVP even cited previous examples of recently retired OG Zack Martin. But the draft has ended, and they have not drafted a single player who will directly help QB Dak Prescott. Jones gave hope to fans by drafting Alabama OG Tyler Booker in the first round. But then followed it up with defensive additions in subsequent rounds that left fans bewildered. However, the owner did eventually find a receiver for the team.

Dak Prescott had concerns about the offensive line and needed a WR2 to help CeeDee Lamb on the field. The franchise’s fans had almost lost hope that they would get one as the draft ended. But Jerry Jones did surprise everyone with his pick from the undrafted free agency: the Cowboys owner signed UFA Oregon WR Traeshon Holden. The talented receiver played three seasons for the Crimson Tide between 2020 and 2022 before moving to Oregon in 2023. In 51 games (13 starts), he recorded 111 receptions for 1,484 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound player is a great addition to Jerry Jones’ roster, who also drafted Oregon OT Ajani Cornelius in the 6th round (204th overall).

If you are wondering about the connection, the Cowboys‘ receivers coach, Junior Adams, played a huge role. He trained players at Oregon from 2022 to 2024 before the Cowboys signed him under the new HC Brian Schottenheimer this year. However, America’s Team will have to work on Holden’s temper. He infamously spit on Buckeyes CB Davison Igbinosun during a game last October, which got him ejected. So, the franchise needs to understand his psyche during the offseason.

The situation may not have reached this point if the owner had been more alert. He failed to draft the ace receiver, Tetairoa McMillan, sending fans into a frenzy. But Jones later explained his stance.

Jerry Jones speaks out on missing Wildcats WR

The 6-foot-4, 219-pound athlete emerged as one of the best wide receivers in the draft class this year. The Cowboys became a hotspot for speculation about McMillan, given they needed a strong complement to CeeDee Lamb. But Jerry Jones instead utilized the pick on Alabama OG Tyler Booker. From his perspective, it was the right move. Still, fans had wanted the receiver, who signed with the Panthers in the first round (8th overall) before the Cowboys even got on the board.

The owner told The Athletic’s Jon Machota, “We thought he was a great, really outstanding football player. We had him very high on the board.” However, he left the real question unanswered: would the Cowboys have drafted him if he had still been available at the 12th pick? Jerry Jones didn’t answer directly. Instead, he revealed that the Cowboys had graded only 12 players as true first-round picks — and Booker was among them. So, in that sense, they achieved what they intended.

McMillan isn’t fazed by any of this. He understands how the game works. Getting drafted in the first round is a major milestone. His message was loud and clear: “I’m just ready to take the Panthers to the next level.” Overall, Jones is also happy. And there’s plenty of time left. While Cowboys LB Micah Parsons was visibly disappointed with their first pick of 2025, the front office believes they have a long way to go. It’s a simple mantra: believe to achieve.