The Cowboys waited 73 prospects between picks, following their third-round selection of CB Shavon Revel Jr. They didn’t wait nearly as long between picks after picking up Texas RB Jaydon Blue with the No. 149 pick. Scheduled to next jump on the clock at No. 174, the team traded up to No. 152 in order to pick up linebacker Shemar James from Florida.

The trade compensation included No. 174 and No. 204, the club’s first pick in the sixth round. Dallas still has four more selections on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL draft.

From Dan Brugler’s The Beast (The Athletic):

A two-year starter at Florida, James played Will linebacker in former defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong’s scheme. He was one of the prizes of Billy Napier’s initial recruiting class with the Gators and worked his way back from a season-ending knee injury in 2023 to put intriguing flashes on his 2024 film as a team captain.

When he accurately reads and unlocks, James plays with the speed, twitch and change-of-direction skills to make stops all over the field. He can flex as a blitzer but must become more consistent in his coverage drops to maximize his energetic talent. Overall, James needs to mature his play recognition to cut down on the missteps, but the athletic tools are there for him to become a rangy run-and-hit defender. Carving out a special teams role early in his career will be critical as he develops.

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys trade up to No. 152, draft LB Shemar James from Florida