The second season is often a pivotal chapter in the careers of NFL players, offering an opportunity to build on their rookie year and take advantage of a full offseason for development. The Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 draft class exemplifies how this transition can set the tone for players' trajectories moving forward.

Right guard Tyler Booker, a first-round pick out of Alabama, finished his rookie campaign ranked among the top half of NFL right guards, earning the highest marks among rookie guards according to Pro Football Focus. Booker’s grasp of the Cowboys’ playbook has improved significantly, allowing him to concentrate more on technique and execution. His vocal leadership emerged over the season, with quarterback Dak Prescott noting Booker’s repeated use of the rallying cry “dominate” during pregame preparations. This growth suggests Booker is poised to build on his promising start.

Linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku also demonstrated potential in his rookie year. The former Boston College edge rusher was known for his pass-rush prowess, leading the nation in sacks during his final college season. Although he recorded only two sacks in his first NFL season, Ezeiruaku led all rookie edge rushers in defensive stops and had a strong presence against the run. This season, he will transition to outside linebacker in new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s system, but his role as a primary pass-rusher is expected to remain intact. Enhancing his quarterback pressure will be key to his second-year progression.

Cornerback Shavon Revel’s rookie season was delayed by recovery from a torn ACL sustained in college. After making his NFL debut in mid-November, Revel showed promise but struggled notably in zone coverage. At 6-foot-2, Revel possesses the physical attributes to become a shutdown man-coverage defender. The Cowboys are confident that with a full offseason and improved technique, Revel can take a major step forward in his second year.

Running back Jaydon Blue struggled to secure consistent playing time last season due to questions around his professionalism and day-to-day preparation. However, coaching staff, including head coach Brian Schottenheimer, have noted Blue’s improvement during the offseason and hope he can emerge as a dynamic complement to starting back Javonte Williams. Blue’s performance in training camp and preseason will be telling.

Linebacker Shemar James played 542 snaps as a rookie on one of the NFL’s weakest defenses under former coordinator Matt Eberflus. The fifth-round pick from Florida now faces a new coaching staff and an offseason to refine his game based on extensive game film, offering a solid platform for growth in 2024.

Other players from the draft class with varying degrees of opportunity include offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius, who appeared sparingly on special teams last season but could find a backup lineman role, and defensive tackle Jay Toia, who played five games and will look to establish himself as a reliable interior run-stopper.

In the backfield, seventh-round pick Phil Mafah impressed in college and showed promise in limited NFL action, with hopes that he can earn a bigger role alongside Williams. The Cowboys neither acquired new running backs nor made significant roster moves at the position this offseason, signaling confidence in Mafah’s and Blue’s development.

Wide receiver Traeshon Holden, an undrafted free agent who spent last year on the practice squad, has reportedly improved his standing in the wide receiver rotation during offseason activities. He faces competition for the team’s fifth wide receiver spot and is considered a legitimate candidate to make the active roster this year.

Other undrafted players competing to earn roster spots include defensive backs Alijah Clark, Zion Childress, Trikweeze Bridges, and linebacker Justin Barron.

As the Cowboys enter the 2024 season, the progress of their 2025 draft class and undrafted signings in their second professional year will be closely watched as an indicator of how well these players can capitalize on their initial experiences and offseason preparations.