With the 12th pick in the POD Community Mock Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select…
The Dallas Cowboys haven’t made the NFC Championship since 1995.
That doesn’t really have anything to do with our 2025 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, but it remains one of my favorite NFL facts. If the Cowboys’ late conference championship appearance was a person, it would likely have some back issues by now.
Anyways, attempting to pull the Cowboys out of this “should be way more irrelevant” hole in our POD Community Mock Draft is commenter 1951 Lion. The Cowboys have the 12th overall pick after going 7-10 last year—their worst season since 2020.
To see the previous 11 picks in the draft, head to our POD Community Mock Draft tracker.
With the 12th overall pick in the POD Community Mock Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select…
Matthew Golden, wide receiver out of Texas.
Here’s 1951 Lion explaining the pick:
For the first time since 2020 and the drafting of CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys are drafting a wide receiver in the first round. Even though there are grumblings about needing an offensive lineman and an upgrade at the running back positions, I’ve selected Matthew Golden as the pick at number 12.
Cowboys wide receivers will be battling hard for a roster spot, with CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, and KaVontae Turpin having guaranteed spots on the roster. As for Parris Campbell, Ryan Flournoy, Jalen Brooks, and Jonathan Mingo, they will have to beat out not only each other but also Matthew Golden this year.
The media, the fans, everywhere I’ve searched have all discussed what would be the best direction for the pick to advance in order to helping the team. The consensus, and a good argument is the choice should be a toss up between running back and wide receiver at #12. A skill player that can make a difference is a must have for Dak to reach his pinnacle.
Without a doubt Matthew Golden was the fastest player at the 2025 Combine, and he’ll be the replacement go to guy on long passes, as he’s a perfect replacement for Brandin Cooks on the line.
NFL defenses will find an immediate deep threat in Matthew Golden, who brings far more than just straight-line speed to the table. His sophisticated understanding of route-running and ability to separate at all levels will give his offensive coordinator a versatile chess piece to deploy across the formation. While he’s dangerous from any alignment, Golden truly shines on the outside where his vertical explosion and sharp breaks create nightmares for defensive backs trying to stay in phase.
Golden’s combination of speed, reliable hands, and ability to get open will make him one of the best go-to guys in the NFL. That’s why I chose Matthew Golden for the Cowboys.
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