The College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game is always a spectacle, showcasing the nation’s top football talent. For NFL teams like the Dallas Cowboys, these games offer an invaluable opportunity to evaluate prospects who could potentially fill key roster spots. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the Cowboys will look to improve their team by selecting players who can contribute immediately and help them contend for championships. This article will examine potential draft picks from the 2025 CFP National Championship game, analyzing how these prospects might fit into the Cowboys’ needs and overall team strategy.
Context: The 2025 CFP National Championship Game
The 2025 CFP National Championship featured two powerhouse teams—Georgia Bulldogs and Michigan Wolverines. Both teams have a rich history of success, producing high-level NFL prospects year after year. This particular championship game had an abundance of draft-eligible talent, particularly in positions that align with the Cowboys’ needs, including wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, and secondary players.
1. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
While Ohio State did not make it to the national title game, Marvin Harrison Jr. was a standout during the playoff run and remains one of the most exciting draft prospects in the country. If Harrison were to declare for the draft after the 2024 season, the Cowboys could have serious interest in adding him to their receiving corps.
Strengths:
- Elite Size and Skills: Harrison stands at 6’4” with elite speed and hands. His route running is crisp, and he’s capable of making spectacular catches in traffic.
- Versatility: Harrison could play both outside and in the slot, providing flexibility for offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
Fit with the Cowboys: The Cowboys currently have CeeDee Lamb as their top wide receiver, but adding another dynamic weapon like Harrison would instantly elevate the receiving group. Harrison’s ability to stretch the field could complement Lamb’s possession-style play and open up more space for Dak Prescott to work with. This could be particularly important as Prescott enters the later stages of his career and may rely more on dynamic playmakers.
2. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
One of the standout performers in the CFP National Championship game was Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. A versatile and explosive weapon in Georgia’s high-powered offense, Bowers is one of the top prospects in the 2025 draft class.
Strengths:
- Playmaking Ability: Bowers is a dynamic threat both in the passing game and as a blocker. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field and his superior hands make him an offensive weapon.
- Versatility: He can be lined up as an in-line tight end, in the slot, or even out wide. His ability to stretch the field vertically and block effectively in the run game makes him an ideal fit for modern NFL offenses.
Fit with the Cowboys: The Cowboys are currently well-stocked at tight end with players like Jake Ferguson, but Bowers could elevate the position to another level. With a player like Bowers, the Cowboys could have a mismatch nightmare in the passing game. His combination of size and athleticism would allow Dallas to expand its offensive playbook, particularly in the red zone.
3. Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
Jalen Carter, a defensive lineman for Georgia, was a dominant force in the CFP National Championship game and throughout the entire season. His combination of size, strength, and quickness makes him a potential top-5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Strengths:
- Elite Physical Tools: Carter is an absolute monster on the interior of the defensive line. Standing at 6’3” and weighing over 300 pounds, he has the rare combination of size and explosiveness that makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
- Pass Rush Ability: Carter’s ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt quarterbacks is elite. He can rush from the interior with strength and speed, making him a versatile weapon in any defensive scheme.
Fit with the Cowboys: The Cowboys have a strong defensive line, but they could always use more depth and star power in the trenches. Adding a player like Carter would provide a major boost to their ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and defend the run. With Micah Parsons already a force on the edge, a player like Carter could create havoc on the interior and make the Cowboys’ defense even more difficult to block.
4. Maason Smith, DL, LSU
Maason Smith from LSU is another defensive lineman to watch from the CFP National Championship game. While not as widely talked about as Jalen Carter, Smith has the potential to be a highly disruptive force at the next level.
Strengths:
- Athleticism and Motor: Smith combines incredible size (6’5”, 310 lbs) with great athleticism. He’s relentless in pursuit and has a high football IQ.
- Run-Stuffing Ability: Smith excels against the run, using his strength and quickness to control blockers and penetrate into the backfield.
Fit with the Cowboys: The Cowboys have a solid defensive line rotation, but Maason Smith’s skill set could add an extra dimension to their defense. He would be an excellent fit as a run-stuffer on early downs, giving defensive coordinator Dan Quinn more flexibility in terms of personnel. Smith could be groomed behind players like Neville Gallimore and Daron Payne, eventually developing into a key contributor on the defensive front.
5. Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo is another intriguing prospect to come out of the CFP National Championship game. With his combination of size and speed, Ringo has the traits that NFL teams covet in a cornerback.
Strengths:
- Physical Tools: Standing at 6’2” and running a 4.3 40-yard dash, Ringo has ideal size and speed to match up with elite NFL wide receivers.
- Ball Skills: Ringo has excellent ball skills and is adept at making plays on the football, as evidenced by his key interceptions during Georgia’s championship run.
Fit with the Cowboys: The Cowboys could stand to improve their cornerback depth. While Trevon Diggs is an All-Pro caliber player, the team lacks another top-tier corner to pair with him. Ringo would be an ideal candidate to fill this role, giving the Cowboys a physical, fast corner who can match up with both big-bodied receivers and speedsters. Adding Ringo would help solidify the secondary, providing more support to a pass rush that already features elite players like Parsons.
6. Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Jordan Addison from USC, while not involved in the CFP National Championship game, is another top wide receiver prospect who could be on the Cowboys’ radar. Addison is a dynamic playmaker with exceptional route running and ball skills.
Strengths:
- Route Running: Addison’s ability to create separation with precise route running makes him a threat at every level of the field.
- Big-Play Potential: He has the speed and agility to break off big gains, making him a deep threat in any offense.
Fit with the Cowboys: The Cowboys need a complementary wide receiver to pair with Lamb. Addison could be a great fit as a vertical threat who can open up the middle of the field for Lamb and the tight ends. His ability to stretch the defense could give Prescott more options in the passing game, particularly on deep shots and vertical routes.
