The Dallas Cowboys have managed to bounce back with two consecutive wins after a rough 3-7 start. While neither victory was particularly impressive—a chaotic, mistake-filled triumph over the Commanders and a routine win against the struggling Giants—these games have kept the team’s faint playoff hopes alive.
For fans already looking ahead to 2025, hoping the team could secure a high draft position, the recent wins have been frustrating. However, as the Cowboys’ record begins to stabilize, they remain in a position to draft a high-quality player.
If the chips fall favorably, the Cowboys could use their first-round pick to address one of their most pressing needs: finding another playmaker to complement star receiver CeeDee Lamb. According to projections from Athlon Sports and Bleacher Report, the Cowboys might target top wide receiver prospect Luther Burden with a mid-first-round selection.
Cowboys Need a Bookend for CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee Lamb has firmly established himself as the Cowboys’ top offensive weapon, despite enduring a tough season. Injuries and a preseason contract dispute, which sidelined him for all of training camp and most of the preseason, have contributed to a decline in his performance. Lamb eventually inked a four-year, $136 million deal with the team.
The Cowboys, however, lack a long-term plan for the No. 2 receiver position. Brandin Cooks, at 31 years old, has seen his production decline due to a lingering knee injury, managing just 12 catches in five games.
Third-year receiver Jalen Tolbert has shown flashes of talent and could remain a key contributor, but his production—39 receptions for 451 yards and four touchdowns this season—suggests he may not be the ideal complement to Lamb. Adding a dynamic outside receiver should be a priority in the upcoming draft.
Luther Burden: An ‘Explosive Weapon’
Enter Luther Burden. Despite a down year, the talented receiver has amassed 676 yards this season and boasts a career total of 2,263 yards and 21 touchdowns. Both Athlon Sports and Bleacher Report identify Burden as a strong candidate for the Cowboys, envisioning him as a perfect fit alongside Lamb.
“Aston Jeanty is a valid consideration here, but this year’s running back class is deep enough to give Dallas strong options on Day 2,” writes Athlon’s Luke Easterling. “That should allow them to grab another explosive weapon for their offense in Burden, who could be a huge steal as Dak Prescott’s No. 2 target across from CeeDee Lamb if he’s still available.”
At Bleacher Report, Burden is also projected as a potential first-round selection for the Cowboys in the 2025 draft. B/R’s offensive skill positions scout Damian Parson highlights Burden’s strengths:
“Overall, Luther Burden III is an explosive and dynamic run-after-catch threat. He should be able to carve out a significant role early in his NFL career.
“Burden has room to grow and elevate his game at the professional level. He would thrive under a creative offensive coordinator who could fully utilize his versatile skill set. The best way to integrate Burden into the offense is to involve him in the passing game through multiple alignments and pre-snap motion.”
With the addition of a playmaker like Burden, the Cowboys could solidify their offense and create a dynamic pairing to keep their playoff hopes alive for years to come.
