By Blessing 
The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2025 NFL Draft with a lot of eyes on them, particularly with the 12th overall pick. The added scrutiny this year comes from the fact that Brian Schottenheimer will be calling the shots as head coach, though he still needs to collaborate closely with Jerry Jones, the team’s owner and general manager.
Fans will be watching closely to see if this new dynamic between Schottenheimer and Jones can lead to a successful pick at 12. But Dallas has more than just that one pick to think about — ranging from No. 44 in the second round all the way to the 247th selection in the seventh.
This is where sleeper prospects come into play. The Cowboys have a history of unearthing hidden gems beyond the first round. DaRon Bland, a fifth-round pick, is a perfect example of this. Even Dak Prescott wasn’t drafted in the first round, slipping all the way to the fourth round in 2016. Legendary tight end Jason Witten was another example, being picked up in the third round.
With a roster that has several areas to address, these three sleeper prospects could provide great value for Dallas, especially in the later rounds.
Dylan Sampson: A Game-Changer for RB Depth
One area where Dallas might look for help is at running back. While the Cowboys have been closely linked to Ashton Jeanty of Boise State, the promising Heisman Trophy finalist is trending to be taken much earlier, potentially by the Las Vegas Raiders with the sixth pick. If that happens, Dallas will need a backup plan.
That’s where Dylan Sampson from Tennessee comes in. While Sampson may not have the power or durability of Jeanty, he offers something just as valuable: agility. A twitchy, explosive runner, Sampson stands out for his cutting ability and field awareness.
NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein, a draft expert, has high praise for Sampson’s feel for timing, spacing, and blocking schemes. Zierlein stated that Sampson “separates himself from other backs in the class with an impressive feel for timing, spacing and blocking scheme.”
Currently projected to go in the second or third round, Sampson would be a great choice for the Cowboys at pick No. 76. His instinctive style of play makes him a natural fit in their backfield, offering the Cowboys a versatile option at running back.
Elic Ayomanor: The Wide Receiver with Speed
CeeDee Lamb has become the clear No. 1 option for Dak Prescott in the passing game. But if the Cowboys are going to take their offense to the next level, they need more depth at wide receiver. While Schottenheimer’s offense will likely focus on the run, it’s crucial that Prescott has more targets to work with, particularly someone who can take some pressure off Lamb.
Enter Elic Ayomanor of Stanford. With his impressive 4.44-second 40-yard dash, Ayomanor has the long speed the Cowboys need to stretch the field. He’s also got the hands and presence to excel in tight spots, something Schottenheimer and Prescott will appreciate. Ayomanor is known for making plays in traffic, a skill that could make him a valuable asset in the red zone.
Ayomanor’s performance against Colorado in 2023 truly showcased his potential. The Canadian-born receiver from Medicine Hat, Alberta, could be a steal in the fourth round, especially in such a deep wide receiver class.
Shavon Revel Jr.: Adding Height and Speed at Cornerback
The Cowboys’ defense is in need of another cornerback to complement Trevon Diggs, and Shavon Revel Jr. from East Carolina could be the perfect fit. While DaRon Bland has shown promise, he’s better suited for nickelback duties. Diggs is firmly entrenched as the CB1, but Dallas needs someone with both size and speed to compete alongside him.
Revel is a standout in that regard. Standing at 6-foot-2, he’s got the size to be disruptive at the line of scrimmage. He’s also fast enough to keep up with wide receivers in coverage. Zierlein described Revel as “disruptive the moment he jams a wide receiver,” a skill that would make him an excellent option for new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ press man coverage scheme.
Revel’s stock has dropped a bit following an ACL tear in September, which could allow the Cowboys to grab him at a great value in the fifth round. His physical traits are undeniable, and if he can return to full health, he has the potential to make an immediate impact.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys have a lot of decisions to make. With a strong mix of established players and new faces, these three sleeper prospects — Dylan Sampson, Elic Ayomanor, and Shavon Revel Jr. — could provide Dallas with the boost it needs in key positions. While the focus will undoubtedly be on the first-round pick, it’s often the late-round gems that end up making the biggest difference. The Cowboys have a strong track record of finding those hidden gems, and these players could be the next in line.