Blogging The Boys
The draft is going to change a lot about the Cowboys.
As it does every year, the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft will see many dreams come true for the next wave of rookies. But inevitably, it will also also create some nightmares for current veteran players whose job security could be threatened by new arrivals. Today, we’ll look at four significant Dallas Cowboys who might suffer from the additions of younger or superior talent.
It is widely projected that Dallas will target a cornerback early in this draft, even as high as the first round. The higher the investment, the more likely it is that the Cowboys are preparing to move from one of their high-profile veterans.
Diggs is coming off two tough years wrecked by his 2023 injury. After his 11-interception season in 2021, he remained an excellent overall corner but then got injured in Week 2 of the 2023 season. While he did return to play in 11 games last year, Diggs was clearly still not all the way back. There was also talk that the team was not happy with how he approached his medical care and rehab, potentially limiting him in 2025 as well.
Bland also just had a down year following a training camp foot injury. His record-breaking performance in 2023 with five touchdowns off interceptions was far from duplicated; no turnovers of any kind in the seven games he played last season. But Bland did look better in coverage by the end of the year, leaving hope that he can get back to his previous form.
The big difference between these two is where they are in their contracts. Diggs has four years left on the large deal he signed after 2022, while Bland is entering the final year of just his rookie contract. After this year, Diggs can be released for over $12 million in cap savings and Bland becomes an unrestricted free agent.
There was already speculation that Dallas would have to choose between one of their star corners in 2026, not wanting to pay both top-10 money. If they were to draft Will Johnson or Jahdae Barron in the first round, or one of several corners projected to go in the second round, it would indicate the intention to part with either Diggs or Bland after this season. Paying to keep both of them, plus putting a significant pick on a third corner, would be more investment at one position than the Cowboys typically prefer.
Right now, Tolbert is Dallas’ other starting receiver by default. That could still be true if we get out of the first three rounds without a new addition. But if Arizona’s Tet McMillan makes it to the 12th pick, it’s highly likely that he’ll become a Cowboy. Dallas could also trade down with the thought of targeting Matthew Golden, Luther Burden, or Emeka Egbuka.
There are still players on Friday night who could come in...
