There's a common belief for what the Dallas Cowboys should do with their first two draft picks. But even still, there are risks.
Jerry Jones takes pride in being classified as a "gambler" in his business of running the Dallas Cowboys. He's grown a reputation for it, operating in a manner he often stubbornly sees fit - especially when it comes to personnel management.
And so, when it comes to the annual NFL Draft process, that title is in play. In fact, the last handful of top Cowboys draft picks haven't panned out the way those investments have earlier in Jones' tenure. Jerry is hoping he can begin to steer that narrative back on course.
The Cowboys will be spending extra close attention on this year's scouting process as the team owns two first-round picks (No. 12 and 20). The growing belief is that, judging by the awful defensive showing a year ago and the clear holes in this year's roster, the Cowboys will target key positions like linebacker, cornerback or edge rusher.
Those could look like safe bets because they fill crucial positions where there isn't currently clarity, but the Cowboys have gotten themselves in trouble with that philosophy before.
So, as mock draft season ramps up, we take a look at who might be the five biggest prospect "gambles" on Dallas' first-round board.
RB Jeremiyah Love
Don't get me wrong, Love is a fantastic running back prospect, but the increasing amount of mock drafts that see Dallas selecting or even trading up to grab the Notre Dame ball-carrier is alarming.
The Cowboys inked starter Javonte Williams on a long-term deal this offseason, all but guaranteeing that he's the franchise back for the foreseeable future.
There is less risk in Love as a product than there is in his fit with Dallas, and considering how poor the defense was, if Jones spends his top pick on a skill player, the jeers in the press and on the internet could be as loud as ever. That's a PR threat the Cowboys owner wouldn't want (... or would he simply be happy it's a topic of conversation?).
EDGE Ahkeem Mesidor
The biggest concerns circled on Mesidor's scouting report are his age and injury history. The Miami pass rusher will enter his rookie season at 25 years old, which is over two years older than Dallas' second-round edge rusher from 2025, Donovan Ezeiruaku. Mesidor has also dealt with two foot injuries, which could explain his sub-par get-off.
While it's certainly possible for Mesidor to bury these worries with immediate production, it'd take a commitment to the possibility of a slow process, which isn't something the Cowboys can afford.
The fact that veteran Jadeveon Clowney - the Cowboys' best pass rusher last season - is still a free agent could also tell you something about how age is a factor in building the defensive end room, but that could mean they're saving a spot in the room for a rookie. We'll see if that's the case even if that rookie is one of the oldest of the class.
CB Jermod McCoy
Speaking of injuries, the Tennessee cornerback missed the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL. His tape from the 2024 season, however, has kept him in consideration for a first-round pick.
When Jerry Jones said there'd be "no redshirts" from this year's draft class, he very likely could have been speaking about McCoy as he begins his on-field rehab.
That's a story Dallas faced as recently as last season with third-rounder Shavon Revel Jr.
LB CJ Allen
Allen is a strong fit for the Cowboys and their obvious roster vacancy in the middle, but their current draft order positioning will make it hard to land the Georgia backer.
At No. 12, Allen could be a reach, and there's no guarantee that he makes it to 20. The Cowboys would have to be adaptable based on how the top half of the first round shakes out.
With a new coordinator's gameplan coming in, it'd also be a risk setting up a rookie at such a valuable position that prioritizes communication and schematic proficiency.
Any Wide Receiver
Like Love, the expected public reaction of Dallas drafting anything besides two defensive players is daunting.
On a different note, Dallas drafting a wide receiver could send a message to George Pickens, the Cowboys' All-Pro franchise tag recipient whom the team still has not had substantial contract negotiations with.
Would the Cowboys drafting a wideout cause Pickens to second-guess the team's loyalty to him? Could he then skip out on offseason programs or be less cooperative in contract talks leading up to the June 15 tag deadline?
There are some intriguing receiver names in the first round, but none produce what Pickens did last year, and the expressions the Cowboys have made about valuing his place in the staff next to CeeDee Lamb shouldn't be tested.
