Cowboys insider reveals defensive star team targeted in first round

Heading into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, some thought the Dallas Cowboys would focus on selecting a wide receiver with the 12th overall pick. While Tetairoa McMillan was long gone after the Carolina Panthers selected the 6-foot-4 playmaker with the eighth overall pick, Dallas had the opportunity to draft Matthew Golden, who was a common projection in Cowboys mock drafts. Nevertheless, the Cowboys opted to do something they’ve frequently done under Jerry Jones, reinforce the offensive line.

While the Cowboys selected offensive guard Tyler Booker with the 12th overall pick, Jones revealed that the team actually had a pretty spirited debate over whether to select another player available on the draft board. SN's NFL DRAFT HQ: Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Top 250 big board According to the Star Telegram’s Nick Harris , the other player the Cowboys considered at 12 was defensive tackle Walter Nolen, who ended up being selected four picks later by the Arizona Cardinals at 16. "Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones said that everyone had a long debate yesterday about Tyler Booker and another player for over 30 minutes,” Harris wrote.

“Said it was funny how that exact scenario presented itself at 12. Team sources say that other player was Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen." With heavy consideration going into bolstering their defensive interior, it’s possible a defensive tackle will be in play for the Cowboys as Day 2 and Day 3 of the NFL Draft rages on through Saturday.

Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp For now, they’re happy with getting Booker, who’s likely to compete for a starting job at right guard in training camp. More NFL News: Cowboys could reunite with franchise legend after NFL Draft.