Cowboys Trade To Draft Explosive Linebacker in 5th Round

The Dallas Cowboys got off to a hot start at Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Entering the day with seven picks across Rounds 4-7, the Cowboys have already made two picks in the first half of the fifth round.

Just moments after Dallas selected Texas running back Jaydon Blue with their own fifth round pick (149), the Cowboys moved up in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for their second pick in the round.

With the 152nd pick, Dallas adds linebacker Shemar James from Florida.

Once again, the Cowboys have identified "physicality" and "leadership" qualities in their 2025 Draft class.

According to James' scouting report from the Combine, he may still need time to develop his mental recognition and response time, but possesses great speed and elusiveness getting around blockers.

Last season in Gainesville, he registered 64 tackles (four for loss), two sacks and an interception.

James is another Cowboys pick that was a team captain in college last season. His head coach with the Gators Billy Napier can't say enough:

"He had a great year, team captain, three down player, can play on third down, he’s loose, can match in coverage, good special teams player, and obviously smart, brings a lot of positive energy to the building, always got a smile on his face, knows everybody’s name," Napier says about James.

"Just a guy you enjoy coaching and being around.”

Dallas adds another high-character piece to first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer's locker room.

It's a trend. The Cowboys are completely revamping their team to fit Schotty's brand of culture.