January 30, 2025

 

After months of speculation, the Dallas Cowboys have finally made a decision at head coach. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has been promoted to the post, retaining the reins of the offense and turning the page on the Mike McCarthy era.

Schottenheimer addressed his offense in his introductory press conference, explaining his ideal offense from a technical and philosophical perspective. He emphasized a strong running game, certain formations and versatile personnel groups in his discussion. Doing so has tipped his hand in offseason priorities and given fans insight into what they can expect from the Cowboys in the 2025 NFL draft.

Assuming Schottenheimer has a high degree of influence in the upcoming draft, we can build a mock draft that would fit the new coach’s vision. Multiple draft sites have been referenced for this exercise, using consensus draft boards and a simulator. Finally, to keep things realistic, trades have been avoided.

Schottenheimer’s offense is built around a strong offensive line and last season the Cowboys OL was anything but. Simmons is one of the top left tackles in the draft class. He would likely bump last year’s top draft pick to right tackle and allow the Cowboys to part ways with the expensive Terence Steele.

At 6-foot-5, 310-pounds, Simmons is large and even has some room to grow on a frame that supports it. Blessed with quick feet and a quick first step, Simmons is extremely athletic for a man his size. This offers high positional value and significant roster savings all while upgrading a critical position group.

With a focus on the running game Schottenheimer sets his sights on a workhorse running back like Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson. Johnson isn’t the homerun threat many of the other RBs are early in the draft, but he’s a reliable chain mover who can set up explosive plays downfield.

The Cowboys new coach spoke of running an efficient ground game that he could spin off a play-action attack from. At 6-foot, 225-pounds Johnson is a stout runner with natural vision and strength. A human pinball who bounces off would-be tacklers with high-end contact balance. He’s untested in pass protection but has natural hands and the tenacity that makes one believe he would be a plus player on passing downs.

About The Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *