The Cowboys have traded up with the Cardinals to acquire the 152nd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Dallas sent picks 174 and 211 to Arizona for No. 152, which they used to select Florida linebacker Shemar James.
James is a speedy, undersized defender who is entering the NFL at just 20 years old with 25 SEC starts under his belt. His play strength will need to improve in the NFL, but that won’t be his biggest obstacle to finding a starting job.
Like most young linebackers, James will face a significant jump in game speed and processing in the NFL. He wasn’t a particularly instinctive player in college, which will further hamper his mental development in the NFL. He has the athleticism to contribute in coverage and as a blitzer, but that will require better play recognition and finishing skills.
James’ athletic abilities give him special teams upside right away as he works on other aspects of his game to compete for a role on defense towards the end of his rookie contract. He joins a Cowboys linebacker room that has Kenneth Murray, Damone Clark, and Jack Sanborn. Dallas is also hoping that DeMarvion Overshown will be ready for training camp