The Dallas Cowboys’ draft plan for the early rounds is rather simple, and given the defensive players signed in free agency, offense looms as the side of the ball the franchise will target.

A receiver like Tetairoa McMillan or Matthew Golden in the first round, and then a running back like Omarion Hampton or TreVeyon Henderson in the second would be exactly how the front office would want things to fall.

But given Dallas is picking so high (No. 12), there are a host of ways the franchise could go, and one way many might not see coming is if the Cowboys draft tight end Tyler Warren.

Which, for Pro Football Focus, in their latest mock draft, Dallas does with McMillan and Jeanty off the board.

“Dallas is in need of playmakers all over the offense, and here they have a choice between Matthew Golden and Tyler Warren,” Pro Football Focus writes.

“While they would be well served to nab either, Warren is a unique playmaker who would unlock this offense. With Jake Ferguson on the roster – and in a contract year – Dallas can become a more versatile offense after running one of the lowest rates of 12 personnel (10.8%) in 2024, due in part to a lack of talent at the position.”

Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) against the Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

This move would mean the end of Jake Ferguson’s time in Dallas, as 2025 is the final year of his rookie contract, and it would also place Luke Schoonmaker’s future in doubt.

Warren would slot straight in and become Dak Prescott’s No. 2 receiving weapon, and he has the grit and violence that Brian Schottenheimer and his coaching staff love.

The Penn State star posted 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns from 104 receptions last season to easily be the best tight end of the class.

Yes, Dallas needs a receiver and running back in the early rounds, but if Warren is there, it would need some serious consideration.

However, it would also mean the franchise would concede it was wrong to draft Schoonmaker in the second round, which is highly unlikely.

Warren in Dallas is a fun idea, and it would create an interesting dynamic for the offense with a tight end being Prescott’s No. 2 “receiver” going forward.