With the 152 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected LB Shemar James. The Cowboys moved up to the pick after a trade with the Arizona Cardinals.
James flashes speed but has never really developed the recognition and response talent to chalk up playmaking production. He has some twitch in his movement and does a nice job of working past blocks, but he might not be able to anticipate with enough consistency to play ahead of NFL blocking schemes. James is athletic in space and can play special teams, but he might never be more than an average backup.
Strengths
Scrapes quickly with rapid-fire slide steps.
Weaves around traffic in pursuit of the football.
Plays downhill and physically.
Uses hands and body-turn to fight around blocks.
Elusive and urgent as a blitzer.
Four-phase special teams experience.
Weaknesses
Tackle production does not stand out (165 in three seasons).
Below-average instincts and diagnosing quickness.
Inconsistent to see past blocks and key the play.
Shallow angles in pursuit leave him short.
Failure to wrap up ball-carrier leads to misses.
Cowboys 2025 draft picks:
- Round 1, pick 12 – G Tyler Booker (Alabama)
- Round 2, pick 44 – DE Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College)
- Round 3, pick 76 – CB Shavon Revel (East Carolina)
- Round 5, pick 152 – LB Shemar James (Florida)
- Round 6, pick 204
- Round 7, pick 217
- Round 7, pick 239
- Round 7, pick 247
Cowboys needs:
WR: The Cowboys need an offensive complement to CeeDee Lamb with Brandin Cooks leaving in free agency.
RB: The additions of Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders won’t stop the team from searching for a potential RB1 in this draft.
CB: Trevon Diggs’ injury, Jourdan Lewis’ departure in free agency, and DaRon Bland becoming a free agent next season means the team needs help. The current depth is lackluster.
DT: The 1-tech spot at the moment is Mazi Smith and not much else. Dallas should certainly look to add a draft prospect here.
OL: The Cowboys have most of the line filled in, but there is a chance they want a young player to compete for the right guard position.
LB: The Cowboys made some additions in the offseason to fill a thin position, but they could use another talented young player to put in the mix.
