As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a strategic crossroads. After another season falling short of Super Bowl expectations, the team now turns its focus to strengthening its defensive line—a unit that showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency, especially in high-stakes moments. Among the many prospects under consideration, two names continue to dominate the Cowboys’ war room discussions: Walter Nolen from Ole Miss and Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M.
Both athletes bring undeniable potential and physical attributes that fit the Cowboys’ defensive profile. However, both also come with red flags—issues with consistency, effort, and overall production—that make them risky picks for a team aiming to contend immediately.
Walter Nolen: A Top Recruit with Boom-or-Bust Potential
Walter Nolen entered college football as one of the most hyped prospects in the country. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing nearly 300 pounds, Nolen brought size, athleticism, and agility rarely seen in defensive tackles. He began his collegiate career at Texas A&M, but after limited impact in his freshman year, he transferred to Ole Miss. That move changed everything.
At Ole Miss, Nolen exploded onto the scene. He earned First-Team All-SEC honors and became a finalist for the prestigious Outland Trophy, awarded to the best interior lineman in the nation. Scouts immediately took notice of his disruptive ability, quick first step, and knack for blowing up plays in the backfield. Analysts even began drawing comparisons to elite defensive tackles like Aaron Donald.
But the tape tells a more complicated story. For every game where Nolen looked like a future All-Pro, there were performances where he faded into the background. His motor came into question, with scouts pointing out lapses in intensity and effort, particularly in games where the team struggled. Coaches sometimes criticized his lack of discipline and failure to maintain gap integrity.
The Cowboys have always valued high-upside defensive linemen, especially those who can collapse the pocket from the interior. However, selecting Nolen means taking a calculated risk. The front office must decide whether his flashes of dominance outweigh the concerns about effort and consistency. Can Dallas coach the inconsistency out of him? Or will the same issues follow him into the NFL?
Shemar Stewart: An Athletic Marvel Still Finding His Game
The Cowboys have also shown strong interest in Shemar Stewart, an edge rusher with all the physical tools NFL teams crave. At 6-foot-6 and 272 pounds, Stewart looks like he was built in a lab for professional football. He posted an unofficial Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.99 out of 10—a metric that measures explosiveness, speed, and strength based on combine results.
Few edge defenders in the draft match Stewart’s raw athleticism. He shows exceptional bend around the edge, strong hands, and the ability to close quickly on the quarterback. In workouts and drills, he checks every box.
However, the production simply hasn’t followed. In his collegiate career at Texas A&M, Stewart recorded only 4.5 sacks. His impact on games often faded after the first quarter. Scouts have identified major gaps in his technique, particularly in pass-rushing moves. He often relies on raw speed and strength rather than a polished plan of attack, and experienced offensive linemen exploit that. His high missed-tackle rate and inconsistent pad level have also raised concerns.
Still, teams love his upside. If Stewart receives the right coaching and buys into the development process, he could evolve into a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. The question the Cowboys must answer is whether they can afford to spend a high draft pick on a player who may take multiple seasons to develop into a consistent contributor.
What the Cowboys Want from This Draft
The Cowboys enter the 2025 NFL Draft with multiple priorities, but upgrading their defensive front ranks near the top. Last season, the team struggled to stop the run in crucial moments, and while the pass rush excelled at times, it lacked depth beyond stars like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
Team owner Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy have emphasized their desire to become more physical up front. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has also reiterated the need for linemen who can win one-on-one battles and free up the linebackers. Both Nolen and Stewart meet the physical profile Quinn loves—big, explosive, and versatile enough to move across the line.
The Cowboys have spent weeks evaluating these two prospects in closed-door meetings, film sessions, and interviews. Coaches have reached out to former teammates and position coaches to get a clearer picture of their personalities and work ethic. Dallas doesn’t just want raw talent—they want players who will commit to the team culture and put in the work to elevate their game.
Other Offseason Moves Reflect Broader Strategy
Beyond draft evaluations, the Cowboys have already begun shaping their 2025 roster through a series of key signings. They brought in offensive guard Saahdiq Charles on a one-year deal to shore up depth on the offensive line. The team also acquired quarterback Joe Milton from the New England Patriots as a developmental backup behind Dak Prescott.
These moves suggest a “win-now” approach while maintaining flexibility for the future. Dallas doesn’t want to rely solely on the draft to fix major holes. But to truly compete with top NFC contenders like the 49ers and Eagles, the team must strike gold with its early-round picks.
Draft Day Pressure Mounts
The Cowboys face immense pressure as they prepare for draft night. Passing on a game-changer like Nolen or Stewart could come back to haunt them. But whiffing on a high-risk prospect could do even more damage. In recent years, Dallas has earned praise for finding value in the draft—players like CeeDee Lamb, Trevon Diggs, and Micah Parsons have become franchise cornerstones. The team now hopes to replicate that success on the defensive line.
Fans and analysts alike will watch closely. The Cowboys hold a mid-first-round pick and will need to navigate trade scenarios, competitor interest, and their own positional needs. If the team selects either Nolen or Stewart, they must believe in their ability to develop that player into a star.
Final Thoughts
The Dallas Cowboys aim to reassert themselves as serious Super Bowl contenders. Strengthening the defensive line offers a path to achieving that goal. Walter Nolen and Shemar Stewart each bring tantalizing upside, but neither arrives as a sure bet. The Cowboys must weigh potential against risk and decide whether to roll the dice on elite talent or opt for a safer, more polished prospect.
Their decision in the 2025 NFL Draft will shape the future of the franchise—and could determine whether the team finally breaks its decades-long Super Bowl drought.
