Mel Kiper disagrees with Field Yates mock draft, outlines options for Dallas Cowboys at No. 12

ESPN hosted a special NFL mock draft session on Tuesday, outlining some of analyst Field Yates‘ picks for the 2025 NFL Draft as it fast approaches.

The selection for the Cowboys drew some dissent from fellow NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper.

Yates had the Cowboys taking Michigan cornerback Will Johnson at No. 12 overall, in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft in just a couple months.

“I don’t see it,” Kiper said. “I think if Will’s there — and I think Field’s right — if Will’s there and he runs in the low 4.5s, maybe he drops down to this 12 spot. The 40 time is going to be critical for Will Johnson. I think he goes somewhere in the top 10. If he’s there it’s going to be interesting.”

Kiper’s biggest disagreement with the projected 2025 NFL Draft pick for the Cowboys in the first round was simply whether Johnson would even be there on the board in the first place at No. 12. But there were other considerations, too.

Namely, that Dallas has plenty of positions where it needs immediate help.

“They have needs at running back,” Kiper said. “Ashton Jeanty has to be in the discussion. They have had success going running back over the years. Zeke Elliott, Emmitt Smith, got Tony Pollard in the fourth round.”

Kiper wasn’t there solely to disagree with Yates’ selection, though. He also offered his own insight on who Dallas could select in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Fans of exciting football should take note.

“How about Tetairoa McMillan if he were there at 12?” Kiper said. “If I’m the Cowboys I’d look at McMillan, T-Mac from Arizona. So I think there are other options. They have offensive line, defensive line. Obviously everybody can use a corner like Will Johnson. He’s only going to be there, though, at 12 if he runs that 4.52, 4.55 40. If he runs in the 4.4s he’s going in the top 10.”