The Dallas Cowboys have long been a team defined by its strong defense and dynamic playmakers. Led by one of the NFL’s premier defensive players, Micah Parsons, the Cowboys’ defense has been a major force in recent seasons. Parsons, a defensive juggernaut with a rare blend of speed, power, and versatility, has solidified himself as one of the most feared players in the league. However, as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, it might be time for the Cowboys to shift their focus—away from defense and toward offense.
While it may sound counterintuitive to some, especially given the success of their defensive unit, the Cowboys’ 2024 campaign highlighted several glaring issues on offense that need immediate attention. Despite boasting one of the NFL’s top defenses, the Cowboys still fell short of their ultimate goal—making a deep playoff run and competing for a Super Bowl. The main reason for this was their offensive struggles, particularly in the running game, offensive line play, and lack of consistent playmaking at the wide receiver position.
In this article, we’ll explore why the Dallas Cowboys should go all-in on offense in the 2025 NFL Draft and how focusing on upgrading their offensive roster could be the key to breaking through in a highly competitive NFC.
The Case for Offense: A Closer Look at the Cowboys’ Offensive Struggles
While the Cowboys’ defense has often carried the team, the offensive side of the ball has failed to keep up. Let’s examine why focusing on offense in the 2025 NFL Draft is not only necessary but could be the missing piece to taking the Cowboys to the next level.
1. Dak Prescott’s Inconsistencies and Playmaking Limitations
Dak Prescott is undoubtedly one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, but his performance in recent seasons has been inconsistent. While Prescott can make all the throws, he’s struggled with turnovers and hasn’t been able to lead the team on the same level as some of the league’s elite quarterbacks. In 2024, Prescott’s interception rate was concerning, and his inability to put together back-to-back strong performances in big games made the Cowboys’ offense one-dimensional at times.
The truth is, Prescott is at his best when he has a balanced offensive attack that includes a productive ground game and reliable playmakers in the passing game. But without a strong supporting cast, Prescott’s flaws are exposed. While the Cowboys have tried to improve their weapons on offense, it’s clear that more help is needed in the form of playmakers who can stretch the field and open up opportunities for Prescott to shine.
2. The Running Game is a Serious Problem
In 2024, the Cowboys’ rushing attack ranked among the worst in the league. Despite having a talented backfield led by Tony Pollard, who had a breakout season in 2023, the Cowboys’ rushing offense faltered. Pollard struggled with injuries, and the Cowboys didn’t have a reliable backup option to take the load off him. As a result, the Cowboys’ offense was often forced to rely too heavily on Prescott’s arm, making it easier for defenses to anticipate and adjust.
The offensive line, once a strength of the Cowboys’ offense, also showed signs of regression. Injuries to key players like Tyron Smith and Zack Martin disrupted the line’s chemistry, and the unit failed to create consistent running lanes. A more potent running game could alleviate pressure on Prescott and create a more balanced attack, but this is a glaring area that requires immediate improvement.
3. Wide Receiver Depth and Playmaking Ability
Although the Cowboys have several solid options at wide receiver, they still lack the elite, game-changing playmaker who can consistently create separation and make big plays downfield. CeeDee Lamb is a talented receiver, but he’s often the focal point of opposing defenses, and the Cowboys haven’t found a consistent second option to take pressure off him. Brandin Cooks was acquired to add speed and playmaking ability, but his impact in 2024 was underwhelming.
The lack of a true No. 2 receiver has forced the Cowboys to rely heavily on their tight ends and running backs in the passing game, limiting the offense’s overall potential. In today’s NFL, having multiple elite playmakers on the outside is essential, and the Cowboys need to add a dynamic receiving threat to take their offense to the next level.
4. The NFC is Becoming More Offensively-Powered
The NFL landscape is shifting, and in particular, the NFC is becoming more offensively driven. Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions have built high-powered offenses that can score in bunches. The Cowboys, despite having one of the best defenses in the league, have been outpaced in shootouts against these teams, unable to keep up when their offense falters.
If the Cowboys are going to contend in the NFC, they’ll need to bolster their offense to match the firepower of these top teams. Without a significant improvement in their offensive depth and balance, the Cowboys risk falling behind in the arms race of the NFC. The time to invest in offensive talent is now, and the 2025 NFL Draft is the perfect opportunity to do so.
Why Micah Parsons Shouldn’t Be the Focus of the 2025 NFL Draft
Given how vital Micah Parsons has been to the Cowboys’ defense, it may seem sacrilegious to suggest that the team should move away from defensive upgrades. However, the Cowboys already have one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, and the unit as a whole is one of the league’s best. Parsons is an elite edge rusher, a versatile linebacker, and an absolute game-changer. The defense doesn’t need another high-impact player; what it needs is the offensive firepower to complement its defensive prowess.
1. The Defense is Already Elite
In the 2024 season, the Cowboys’ defense was among the best in the NFL, ranking in the top 5 in multiple categories, including total defense, sacks, and takeaways. Parsons is the leader of this unit, but players like Leighton Vander Esch, Trevon Diggs, and Demarcus Lawrence have helped create a defense that can control games and keep opponents out of the end zone.
While defenses can always use depth, the Cowboys don’t need to make another splash pick on that side of the ball. Instead, they should focus on adding offensive talent to balance out their team. Having one of the best defenses in the NFL doesn’t mean much if you can’t score enough points to win games. The Cowboys have the personnel to dominate on defense; now, they need to focus on offensive firepower to push them over the top.
2. The Draft Class is Offensive Heavy
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, the class is stacked with talent on the offensive side of the ball, particularly at the skill positions. Marvin Harrison Jr., Brock Bowers, and Caleb Williams (if the Cowboys land a top pick) are among the most coveted prospects in recent memory. With the current state of the Cowboys’ offense, they would be wise to invest heavily in these game-changing offensive players.
By going all-in on offense, the Cowboys have a chance to land one of these elite prospects to pair with CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard. Whether it’s an elite wide receiver, a versatile tight end, or even a potential future quarterback to succeed Dak Prescott, the opportunities in the draft are ripe for the taking. This is a rare chance for the Cowboys to add a true offensive weapon who can immediately impact their offense in a way that no other move could.
3. The Team’s Defensive Depth
The Cowboys have depth on the defensive side of the ball, particularly at linebacker and in the secondary. Even without another star player, this defense is already capable of keeping teams in check. With defensive depth across the board, the Cowboys can afford to focus their draft capital on fixing the offense, where they have more pressing needs.
What the Cowboys Should Focus on in the 2025 Draft
The Cowboys need to make bold moves in the 2025 NFL Draft to improve their offensive arsenal. Here are some positions they should target:
1. Wide Receiver
Adding a top-tier wide receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb would provide Dak Prescott with another dynamic playmaker. Whether it’s through the draft or in free agency, the Cowboys should prioritize adding a No. 2 receiver who can stretch the field and make plays downfield. This would free up Lamb and give the Cowboys a more balanced passing attack.
2. Offensive Line
While the Cowboys’ offensive line has been strong in the past, age and injuries are beginning to take their toll. The team should look to add more depth and youth along the line, particularly at tackle. A strong, well-coached offensive line is essential to both the running game and pass protection for Prescott.
3. Running Back
If the Cowboys can find another talented running back to pair with Pollard, their offense would be in much better shape. Whether through the draft or free agency, a bruising back who can get tough yards between the tackles and complement Pollard’s explosive style would give the Cowboys a more complete rushing attack.
