The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most famous teams in the NFL, always attract attention during each NFL Draft due to the bold and sometimes controversial player selection strategies of owner Jerry Jones. With the 12th pick in the first round of the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft (taking place on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin), many expert predictions suggest that the Cowboys might target a player from the University of Alabama—a prestigious training ground that has produced many NFL stars. However, the question arises: Are the Cowboys picking an Alabama player too early compared to the general assessment of experts? Let’s analyze this issue based on the team’s current context and draft trends.
The Current Situation of the Dallas Cowboys
The 2024-25 season was a significant setback for the Cowboys as they only achieved a 7-10 record, ending a streak of three consecutive 12-5 seasons. Quarterback Dak Prescott’s injury (hamstring fracture, out from week 8) was part of the reason, but it’s undeniable that the team exposed many weaknesses on both sides of the ball. The offense lacks a main running back after Tony Pollard’s departure, while the defense needs to strengthen the defensive tackle and cornerback positions. With 10 picks in the 2025 draft, including the 12th pick in the first round and the 44th pick in the second round, the Cowboys have a great opportunity to address these gaps.
Potential Alabama Candidates
Based on recent mock draft predictions, two Alabama players frequently mentioned in the top 50 are Tyler Booker (offensive guard) and Jihaad Campbell (linebacker). Let’s examine each:
Tyler Booker (OG)
Booker is one of the top interior linemen of the 2024 season at Alabama. With an impressive physique (6’5″, 335 lbs) and the ability to play flexibly at both guard and tackle, he is highly rated for his strength and durability. Some experts, like Pro Football Focus (PFF), rank him in the top 20-25 prospects for the 2025 draft, but not everyone agrees he deserves the 12th pick. Many recent mock drafts (such as Chad Reuter’s on NFL.com) predict him to fall around the middle of the first round (approximately picks 13-20), which is more suitable for the Cowboys’ need to strengthen the offensive line after losing Tyron Smith. Jihaad Campbell (LB)
Campbell is a dynamic linebacker with good field coverage and ball-handling skills. He made an impression with 108 tackles and 5 sacks in the 2024 season, but analysts like Daniel Jeremiah (NFL Network) often rank him at the end of the first round or the beginning of the second round (around picks 25-40). With the presence of Micah Parsons and other linebackers like DeMarvion Overshown in the lineup, the Cowboys may not prioritize this position at the 12th pick.
Expert Evaluations
Experts often rely on the “big board”—a comprehensive ranking of prospects—to determine a player’s value at each pick. In reputable rankings like those from The Athletic, ESPN, or NFL.com, no Alabama player is firmly in the top 10 for the 2025 draft. Names like QB Cam Ward (Miami), EDGE Abdul Carter (Penn State), or CB Will Johnson (Michigan) usually dominate the high picks. This suggests that if the Cowboys pick Booker or Campbell at 12, they might be “reaching”—that is, selecting a player earlier than his actual value according to consensus.
Are the Cowboys Picking Too Early?
To answer this question, we need to consider the Cowboys’ strategy. Jerry Jones and Will McClay (VP of personnel) have a history of selecting “unexpected” players who bring long-term value, like Zack Martin (pick 16, 2014) or Micah Parsons (pick 12, 2021). However, in the current context, the team needs an immediate impact rather than a long-term project.
Cowboys’ Priorities: Running back (like Ashton Jeanty from Boise State or Omarion Hampton from North Carolina) and defensive tackle (like Mason Graham from Michigan) are seen as more urgent positions. These players are often ranked higher than Booker or Campbell in the top 12 of many mock drafts.
Risk: If they pick Booker or Campbell at 12 while top talents at other positions are available, the Cowboys might miss the opportunity to optimize their draft value. For example, Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona) or Mykel Williams (EDGE, Georgia) are names predicted to be more suitable for the 12th pick and the team’s needs.
Conclusion
Based on current expert evaluations, the Cowboys picking an Alabama player like Tyler Booker or Jihaad Campbell at 12 might be a bit early. Although both are excellent prospects, their optimal value seems to be around the middle to the end of the first round, not the top 12. With urgent needs at other positions and the presence of other top talents within reach, the Cowboys might be wiser to wait until the 44th pick to target an Alabama player or choose another star at 12. However, with Jerry Jones’ unpredictable style, anything is possible—and history shows that sometimes his “too early” picks turn into gold.