Each week, we collect the most recent information concerning the Dallas Cowboys and search our author’s perspective on every headline. Welcome again to the roundtable. This week we’ve Jess Haynie, David Howman, Tom Ryle, and Brian Martin.
Does the latest addition of QB Joe Milton III imply Dallas is not out there for a backup QB on this yr’s draft?
The Cowboys made one other stunning commerce this offseason, this time for quarterback Joe Milton III, sending a fifth-round draft decide to New England in alternate for Milton and a seventh-round draft decide. This transfer appears to be like so as to add fast depth to the Cowboys’ quarterback room. With Milton’s presence designed to stabilize the backup QB place, the Cowboys can reallocate draft sources to deal with different positional wants, probably specializing in offensive line depth or the line of defense as a way to construct a extra balanced and aggressive roster in Day 3 of the draft.
Jess: Not essentially. I feel it means they’ll chill on Day 3, until one thing actually wild occurs with somebody dropping. So we’re most likely out on the likes of Kyle McCord, Tyler Shough, or Riley Leonard. However let’s say Jaxson Dart falls to the third spherical; why wouldn’t the Cowboys nonetheless contemplate that? Milton was only a sixth-round decide himself, so if the scouts suppose a sure higher-tier prospect has extra potential then they haven’t any motive to not additional improve the QB pipeline.
Brian: I’d suppose so. It was rumored the Cowboys have been seeking to draft a developmental QB and completed that purpose by buying and selling for Joe Milton. There isn’t any must waste one other draft decide on the place, particularly contemplating the 2025 QB draft class is lower than inspiring to start with.
Howman: Very doubtless, sure. If there’s a quarterback accessible within the later rounds that Dallas actually likes, they’re not going to cross on him, however the Milton addition was executed, partly, as a result of it is a pretty weak quarterback class. I’d think about Milton takes the place of a rookie quarterback this yr.
Tom: I don’t count on them to make use of a draft decide on one, particularly with Will Grier nonetheless below contract. I do suppose they’ll signal a UDFA for a camp arm, however the picks ought to go to fill different wants.
If RB Omarion Hampton is the Cowboys’ first choice within the draft at decide 12, how does that make you’re feeling?
The Cowboys have proven vital curiosity in North Carolina’s working again Omarion Hampton as a possible choice with their twelfth total decide on this yr’s NFL Draft. Hampton has been climbing draft boards the previous few days. This has result in discussions about his worth and match with the Cowboys. Some individuals, nevertheless, query the worth of choosing a working again so early, particularly given the depth of expertise accessible on the place in later rounds. The Cowboys’ determination will doubtless hinge on their evaluation of Hampton’s fast influence potential once they met with him throughout one of many group’s 30-visits.
Jess: As somebody who received’t be doing cartwheels if Ashton Jeanty is the decide, I’m going to be furious if we attain on Hampton. The “he’d be RB1 most years” line doesn’t give me consolation. He’s clearly not seen because the generational expertise that Jeanty is, so why simply choose him at 12 as a result of he’s the next-best RB on the board? It’s onerous to think about there received’t be superior abilities accessible from different positions.
Brian: I’m truly a giant fan of Omarion Hampton, so I wouldn’t be fully disenchanted if he was Dallas’ choice with the twelfth total decide. Having mentioned that although, I ponder what different gamers are nonetheless on the board as a result of there’s a number of I’d draft forward of him who might nonetheless be accessible. Plus, I feel the Cowboys might commerce down and nonetheless land Hampton and in addition purchase further draft capital.
Howman: I’ll be irate. That is the deepest working again class in many years, so there’s no motive to take such a low-value place with such a premium draft decide. Omarion Hampton is a enjoyable prospect, however there are backs on this draft who could have simply as a lot success you can get within the third, fourth, and even fifth spherical. Taking Hampton at 12 can be a colossal waste of sources.
Tom: Not a fan of a RB at 12, and if it isn’t the very best one within the class, I’m actually out. A cross rusher, OL reinforcements, or a dynamic WR2 all make higher sense to me. Now if the query was would I be shocked, no, I wouldn’t. The Cowboys at all times suppose they’re the neatest guys within the room and may get approach too cute.
Might Luke Schoonmaker’s breakout season be coming?
Luke Schoonmaker’s efficiency throughout Ferguson’s injury-related absences in 2024 showcased some fascinating potential. In 5 video games the place Schoonmaker began, he recorded 17 receptions for 153 yards and a landing. His landing was in reality the one one scored by a good finish final season. This expertise has positioned him as a robust contender for elevated enjoying time. The upcoming season may even see a aggressive dynamic between Schoonmaker and Jake Ferguson. Schoonmaker’s improvement and on-field contributions will probably be pivotal in enhancing the Cowboys’ offensive versatility.
Jess: Most likely not, however that’s not about Schoonmaker’s potential. Jake Ferguson is probably going nonetheless TE1 or no less than they’d be in a timeshare, which suggests neither places up enormous numbers. Whereas Schoonmaker is the superior athlete, Ferguson’s expertise and chemistry with Dak Prescott will make him onerous to beat. There’s additionally the possibility that Dallas makes use of its first-round decide on Tyler Warren, who clearly turns into the brand new starter. Both Ferguson or Schoonmaker could find yourself traded in that situation.
Brian: Luke Schoonmaker having a breakout 2025 season goes to be tough after the Cowboys shock us all by drafting Penn State TE Tyler Warren. I’m kidding after all, however I wouldn’t fully rule it out both. The brief reply isn’t any. Jake Ferguson remains to be the TE1 and until one thing unlucky occurs to him Schoonmaker remains to be enjoying second fiddle, which is able to restrict his enjoying time and manufacturing.
Howman: “Breakout” could also be too robust a phrase, however Schoonmaker ought to be capable to show he belongs within the NFL this yr. Jake Ferguson remains to be your TE1, however I think about we’re going to see much more 12 personnel this yr with Klayton Adams on the town. Schoonmaker has quietly been actually good in his restricted snaps to date in his profession, so extra alternatives to get on the sphere must be a plus for him.
Tom: I hope not, as a result of that will most likely imply one thing went unsuitable for Ferguson. I’ll be completely joyful to see Schoonmaker as a strong TE2 and position participant. At lot will rely upon what Schottenheimer plans to do with the place, which remains to be TBD.
