Hopefully the Dallas Cowboys have some sort of idea on what to do once they reach the No. 12 pick in the NFL Draft ... because members of the media have thrown out just about every prediction imaginable on who Dallas will draft first.
Nobody is set on a clear idea, outside a good majority that think the Cowboys will pick one of the top wide receivers.
ESPN insider Dan Graziano thinks Dallas might consider defense. He has linked the Cowboys to Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell as a "name to watch" with their first pick.
"Many around the league believe the Cowboys are likely to take a wide receiver at No. 12. Dallas could have its pick of them -- outside of (Travis) Hunter, of course. (Tetairoa) McMillan and Texas' Matthew Golden are the two names to watch if the Cowboys go that direction," Graziano said.
"Another name to watch for Dallas, though, on the other side of the ball: Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. He is extremely well regarded by teams and could go higher than expected if some team (Cowboys? 49ers? Colts?) loses out on its Plan A on Thursday night."
"He’s a top-10 player in the draft, without question,” one NFC executive said. “He’s awesome. You just worry a little about the durability.”
Graziano predicts Campbell (6-3, 244) to last anywhere from the No. 10 pick until the late teens in Round 1. If not at 12, could he slide into potential Cowboys' trade-back range?
While mounting injuries during his college career play against Campbell's resume, there is no questioning his skill and explosiveness when he is healthy.
However, the Cowboys are unfortunately not in the position to be gambling on risky un-healthy prospects ... especially at linebacker.
Star LB DeMarvion Overshown will return from his devastating knee injury halfway through the 2025 season, and all signs indicate "Agent Zero" will be handed the keys to the center of Dallas' front seven in Matt Eberflus' scheme.
Plus, Dallas acquired two linebackers in free agency: Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Sanborn ... that doesn't leave room for a first-round pick in the lineup.
The Cowboys are banking on whoever their first pick is to be an immediate impact player at one of their many dire position needs. While linebacker might be a weak spot, it doesn't compare to running back, receiver, or cornerback.
We'll wait with anticipation tonight to see exactly which position Dallas targets first.
