Cowboys trade up for Florida linebacker in Round 5 of 2025 NFL Draft
FRISCO (SILVER STAR NATION) — America's Team traded two picks to move up in the fifth round, adding depth to their defense with their second selection of Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
SILVER STAR NATION: Former Texas Longhorn now a Dallas Cowboy
The Arizona Cardinals traded Pick 152 to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for Pick 174 and Pick 211. With Pick 152 in Round 5 of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Shemar James, a linebacker from the University of Florida.
Height — 6'1″
Weight — 222 pounds
Wingspan — 77.75 inches
Arm Length — 31.5 inches
40-yard Dash — 4.69 seconds
Vertical Jump — 32 inches
3-Cone Drill — 7.09 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle — 4.27 seconds
SILVER STAR NATION: Cowboys draft potential game-changing CB in Round 3
Year
Tackles
TFL
Sacks
Interceptions
2022
47
2.0
2.0
0
2023
55
5.5
1.0
0
2024
64
4.0
2.0
1
TOTAL
166
11.5
5.0
1
The Cowboys saw something special with Shemar James, sending two Day 3 picks to the Arizona Cardinals to move up 22 spots and draft the two-year starter from the University of Florida.
For the Gators, James served as the weakside linebacker, which typically is a role played by the most athletic linebackers. James has speed and plays loose, appearing to flow freely while on the field. His twitch, speed, and ability to change directions make it possible for James to make plays everywhere.
SILVER STAR NATION: Cowboys add pass rusher in Round 2 of 2025 NFL Draft
Despite being one of the youngest players in the 2025 draft class at just 20 years old, James was a team captain for the Gators. His head coach, Billy Napier, described him as a great teammate and an energetic leader.
Where James needs to continue developing in order to become an everyday NFL player are his instincts and play recognition. At times, he was slow to diagnose plays as they were developing, and if he missed a step, he had trouble recovering.
James also needs to improve his tackling. According to an NFL draft analyst, he missed more tackles than he made on special teams. If James is able to develop, he has the athletic tools to become a quality NFL starter.
2025 NFL DRAFT: How to watch, dates, draft order, and potential top picks
The 2025 NFL Draft concludes on Saturday, April 26, 2025, with Rounds 4 through 7. After the trade with Arizona to move up in the fifth round, the Cowboys now have one pick in Round 6. Barring any more trades, the Cowboys have four picks remaining in the 2025 NFL Draft:
Round
Pick
Overall
Notes
6
28
204
From DET by CLE, BUF
7
1
217
From NE
7
23
239
From GB by TEN
7
31
247
From KC by CAR
SILVER STAR NATION: Cowboys take top offensive guard in Round 1 of 2025 NFL Draft
The Cowboys used their first four picks in the 2025 NFL Draft to select potential difference-making players on both sides of the football. For more information on the Cowboys' previous draft picks, click on the links or photos below:
Silver Star Nation will be providing in-depth coverage of all of the Dallas Cowboys' picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
KFDX Sports Director Tobin McDuff and Sports Anchor M.J. Baird will be at The Star in Frisco, providing live coverage and reactions as each pick is made. Reporter Josh Hoggard will publish in-depth analysis of each new player added to the Cowboys roster.Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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