Cowboys selected UCLA DT Jay Toia with the No. 217 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Only 21, Toia (6'2/342) is capable of eating space from day one, while continuing to refine his skill set. His size forms the foundation of his play, allowing him to hold the point and violently club blockers when pursuing the passer, though his heft will likely limit his ability to successfully chase down passers and ball carriers. Toia totaled 20-to-21 solo tackles, 2-to-3 going for a loss or no gain, in each of the last three seasons. As a pass rusher, Toia smashed his prior single-season career-high quarterback pressure tally (three) by bagging 19 in 2024. He has two career sacks to his name. He will fight to make the 53-man roster and earn a rotational role and take it from there.