Hall of Fame defensive end and Dallas Cowboys legend DeMarcus Ware is the latest to throw his hat into the ring of claiming what he thinks his former team should do heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
With a plethora of voids left unfilled from free agency, there are multiple directions the team could go, but Ware is pleading that Dallas follow a path that many analysts would’ve agreed with early in the scouting process.
“I go back to the characteristic of ground and pound,” Ware said in an interview with RG about the Cowboys’ first pick.
“Whatever player at that position is the best, if it’s offensive line, get him. If it’s a running back, get him.”
Months ago, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty – who Ware called a “phenomenal player” – was the obvious favorite to be chosen by Dallas with the No. 12 pick. However, as Jeanty’s stock has risen, the Cowboys’ likelihood to draft an RB in the first round has dropped just as much.
But offensive line? That’s definitely in play. Especially after the Jones family’s recent remarks about the team’s rich history of building from within.
In the pre-draft press conference on Tuesday, Jerry Jones expressed no doubts that whoever Dallas selects first will be an impact player instantly in 2025.
What if that’s a receiver like most are predicting? That won’t match Ware’s idea … but it would still replenish energy in the fanbase with an exciting playmaker who can be paired alongside superstar CeeDee Lamb.
“When you have a guy that can come in and make an immediate impact, that’s going to be what we need,” Ware said.
Whether it’s a ball carrier or run-blocker, Ware points to Dallas’ notorious inefficiencies on the ground as the main reason for this draft attack, saying “that’s what’s been missing for the last three years, we haven’t had that.”
Dallas has ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in rushing each of the last three years, with 2024 being the lowest of lows. The Cowboys ranked 29th in rushing yards and last in rushing touchdowns a year ago.
The team has brought in a collection of new running backs and O-linemen this offseason, but those moves won’t be enough.
“To be honest with you, I don’t know exactly what we need with the Cowboys, but I know that we need a spark. Something that’s going to really ignite that fire … then go from there.”
