This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys opened up quite a few needs for their team, making NFL Draft predictions somewhat complex. Jerry Jones essentially told the world they’re looking for a left guard, but that is far from their only need. And at 24, the Cowboys could be the beneficiary of a weird draft class. But will they take what they’re given or set themselves up to address needs in Round 1?
Dallas Cowboys 2022 NFL Draft predictions
Dallas doesn’t do anything in free agency, so their roster construction is predicated on drafting incredibly well and bargain shopping for veterans and reclamation projects. Luckily, they’ve been one of the best drafting teams in the league thanks to executives Will McClay and Chris Hall.
Prediction 1: Cowboys draft a guard
Boring isn’t always bad. In fact, the strengths of the Cowboys for years were an astounding offensive line and offenses that were held back by bad defenses. It was clear the offensive line regressed in 2020 and 2021. What once looked like the best in the league devolved to the point where they cut La’el Collins and allowed Connor Williams to walk for relative peanuts.
Dallas struggled to pass protect and create rushing lanes. But that shouldn’t be an issue for either Zion Johnson or Kenyon Green. What’s most interesting about the likely decision is who they prefer. While Green is the more versatile blocker after playing four OL positions over the past two seasons, Johnson is being drafted earlier in mock drafts.
The Cowboys are a big fan of positional versatility. And with Tyron Smith’s irregular presence on the field over the past six seasons, Dallas could go with Green even if they believe Johnson is the better pure guard.
But they don’t have to go with a guard.
Prediction 2: A receiver they love falls
It feels as though the Cowboys have their eyes on a very particular receiver. When looking at the possible targets at 24, only one makes sense for Dak Prescott and Kellen Moore. Chris Olave is the precise route runner that Prescott and Moore will like in the offense. He also took a top-30 visit with the Cowboys.
Treylon Burks and Drake London are also top-30 visits, but they likely won’t be Cowboys. If the league lets London fall to 24, they’re absolutely mental. He would be the CeeDee Lamb-type fall.
Burks is a different story. His athletic testing should not scare anyone. His style doesn’t feel like a good match for Moore and Prescott.
Every offense is timing-based, but Dallas struggled offensively last season with receivers and Prescott being on the wrong page. Precision will be critical, and Burks doesn’t thrive in that aspect of the game. He only makes sense if the Cowboys choose to tailor the passing attack differently for 2022.
Prediction 3: A big name falls
The Cowboys have more draft needs than just left guard. Many mock drafts have them taking either Green or Johnson, but others paint a different picture.
We’ve seen names like George Karlaftis, Trevor Penning, and even Derek Stingley Jr. in recent mock drafts. While it’s unlikely those players fall to pick 24, the Cowboys shouldn’t walk away from them just because they don’t fill their most significant need.
Dallas Cowboys 2022 NFL Draft needs
The Cowboys opened up a need at wide receiver with the Amari Cooper trade. They also made one at EDGE when the Randy Gregory… debacle… happened. Filling the black hole that is left guard is their No. 1 priority, but they shouldn’t pass on a player they have graded significantly higher because of need.