After a noticeably quiet month of March — even for their standards — it’s April and time for the Dallas Cowboys to awaken from their slumber to participate in the upcoming NFL Draft.
With so much outgoing talent, the Cowboys find themselves once again chiefly dependent on hitting big on this next draft class. But what are some of Dallas’ biggest needs leading up to draft weekend?
What Are the Cowboys’ Biggest Needs in the NFL Draft?
After three consecutive 12-5 seasons that ultimately led to familiar playoff disappointment, the Cowboys’ brass teased the fan base with the thought of an “all-in” approach this offseason, then defaulted to doing even less than they typically do.
With only one outside addition added to the team, while eight players signed elsewhere, the Cowboys have some noticeable holes that need filling if they hope to get back to or even dare to be better this year.
With much left to be desired, there’s plenty of space for the team to grow and rectify the situation. We look at some areas Dallas could target in the upcoming draft.
Cowboys Need Answers on Offensive Line
Most mock drafts have the Cowboys taking offensive line with their first selection. It’s a deep class, and there’s an obvious need for Dallas after losing both their starting left tackle and starting center. Any OL position selected in Round 1 may be considered a win for the team.
With names at offensive tackle such as Troy Fautanu from Washington or Olumuyiwa Fashanu from Penn State being a joyous selection, other players at the position, like Georgia’s Amarius Mims or Arizona’s Jordan Morgan, could help as well.
If Dallas decides to go in a different direction and attack the interior instead, names such as Duke’s Graham Barton or Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson could be in the mix as well.
It’s not a guarantee the Cowboys go for OL help early in the draft, but with some plug-and-play options possibly available to them, it may be a safe bet to assume that this will be where they look first at pick 24.
Running Back Remains a Huge Question Mark
The Cowboys currently do not have a viable starting running back on the roster. With last year’s RB2 Rico Dowdle the most experienced on the roster at the moment, Dallas will most certainly be looking to the draft to address an obvious need.
There has been chatter about Texas RB Jonathon Brooks and the Cowboys. The in-state prospect had his surgery-repaired knee done by the Cowboys’ team doctor, but he’s not the only option that could come in and help Dallas’ running game in 2024 and beyond.
Other names getting consideration include Florida State’s Trey Benson and Tennessee’s Jaylen Wright. Later on down the line, the Cowboys could look to add Michigan’s Blake Corum or Clemson’s Will Shipley.
The Cowboys don’t have to use one of their first two picks in the draft to grab a running back. But beyond that, it should be fair game for Dallas in the middle rounds to go and get their RB of the future.
Linebacker Depth Still a Concern
The Cowboys’ one singular outside free agent signing was a linebacker. The signing of Eric Kendricks to man the middle of Dallas’ defense was a good move, but also maybe a sign of how the team feels about the position as a whole.
Dallas struggled to stop the run in 2023, and part of the reason for that was the fact they were extremely thin at linebacker and converted a slender safety — Markquese Bell — to play full-time linebacker.
Fast forward to the current season, and with Mike Zimmer now in charge of the defense, it’s safe to assume he won’t be letting that plan of action slide in 2024.
Thus far, the Cowboys have been linked to five linebackers when it comes to their top 30 visits. They include Texas A&M’s Edgerrin Cooper, NC State’s Payton Wilson, Kentucky’s Trevin Wallace, Temple’s Jordan Magee, and Mississippi State’s Nathaniel Watson.
If you know anything about the Cowboys and their draft strategy, they lean on their top 30 visits heavily every year and almost always take at least one (if not more) of the guys they bring in, in that year’s draft.
The Cowboys understand they have an LB problem and look hellbent on fixing that issue in this month’s upcoming draft.
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