The Dallas Cowboys have a unique offseason strategy, where free agency is on the back burner, and their plan of attack is almost exclusively by building through the draft. Most teams see the value in using both to the best of their abilities, while the Cowboys prefer one to the other, significantly.
With the 2024 NFL Draft now in the rearview, we take a look at the Cowboys’ draft plan and examine if they did enough to help themselves get over the hump next season.
How Much Better Are the Cowboys Following the Draft?
The question of whether the Cowboys are better now than they were before the weekend’s big event is less important than if they are better heading into this season than they were leaving last year.
Yes, Dallas is better for adding the talent they did, compared to the minimalist approach they took this offseason, almost by default. However, it’s still quite clear that they’re a ways away from being a better football team than the one that saw their season end in the 2023 Wild Card round.
It’s a strategy that has had some in the NFL world questioning just how effective it might be, including former NFL analyst Bucky Brooks.
“I feel bad for Dakota,” Brooks started.
“Dak Prescott is probably just wondering, ‘What are we doing in Dallas?’ He doesn’t have any weapons. CeeDee Lamb hasn’t been signed to his new deal. They’re talking about bringing back Zeke Elliott because they don’t have a running back in the building. Michael Gallup is not there.
“Now they need a playmaker. He’s just trying to figure out — ‘Sure. We’ve got the offensive line. I’m protected. I won’t get hit. I won’t get hit but I have no one to throw to. I don’t have enough weapons to be able to do it.’
“And then you have management basically saying, ‘Hey, man. You know what, Dak? We just kind of want you to prove it all over again.’ And Dak has to be out there saying, ‘With what? Help me. Help me,'” Brooks finished.
With only two outside free agents added to speak of, the Cowboys put immense pressure on themselves to hit this draft out of the park. Whether they did or not can only be answered with time, but it’s how they went about doing so that has many questioning the plan.
The Cowboys attacked the offensive line with two of their first three picks, clearly agreeing that the position group needed an upgrade. With the selections of Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton and Kansas State’s Cooper Beebe, Dallas hopes they have their left tackle and center, respectively, of the future secured.
Yet, with a clear need at the RB spot being a glaring issue, Dallas completely ignored the position altogether, setting up what was a peculiar scenario for all of those who were watching it unfold.
The Cowboys will tell you they will stay true to their board, a plan that saw them grab zero running backs, and wait until their final pick to take a DT — a position many had hoped they would prioritize, as stopping the run has been another major issue for them over the years.
KEEP READING: Will the Dallas Cowboys Reunite With Ezekiel Elliott?
This was the weekend the Cowboys’ front office had circled all offseason. With so much apprehension to spend outside money due to looming contracts, Dallas put all its eggs in one basket, hoping to strike gold with immediate production.
With nothing but time left to figure it out, the NFL world will watch closely as the Cowboys enter 2024 with a new crop of young guys hoping to be the pieces of the puzzle that help put them over the top.
Looking for everything you need surrounding the 2024 NFL Draft? Make sure to check out the latest draft results, overall team grades, and updated best remaining players available at every position!
I think you, like most reporters and fans, are focusing on only one side of the coin of the phrase “All In.” The flipside is what happens afterwards. Most likely, the one going “All In” will lose, which leaves the next step that, I believe, the Jones’ are focusing on: Start over and rebuild.”
The first clue was JJ keeping McCarthy for his final year, but no extension. Throw in Mike Zimmer on a 1-year deal, and the entire coaching staff is on their last year. Dak, along with Zack Martin and D-Law, is on his last year. I think the Jones’ will let them play out their contracts and walk. This gives a fresh start: new coaching staff, new QB, etc.
Now, if the Jones’ are set on this path, it only makes sense that their draft strategy is to focus on the trenches and shore up the depth on thin position groups. This is what they did. Guyton is raw, so there’s no rush this year. Beebe is ready to go, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up replacing Martin after the 2024 year. Same goes with Kneeland with D-Law. We didn’t touch the RB position, so it’s no surprise to hear Zeke’s name being brought up, presumably for a 1 year rental before the reset. It’ll be a year before we see impactful results.
Now, the question lies in the extensions of Dak, Lamb, and Parsons. The only one who should get extended, bar none, is Lamb. The longer they take, the higher the price. Parsons can wait, but not for too long. Dak can be extended and the cap will be relieved, but the team will be stuck in purgatory with him. I’d say that they won’t extend him.
This leaves the QB situation to deal with. I wouldn’t be surprised if they roll with Lance to see what he’s got. Assuming Trey doesn’t get injured, this will force Dak to waive his no-trade clause, especially if Lance starts hot. Otherwise, Prescott’s value plummets. This will give the team to see what they have in Lance. If he doesn’t pan out, then they let him go. If he does, then he can be franchised, unlike Dak.
Based on what I’m seeing, Cowboy beat writers and fans alike need to accept that this will most likely be a lame-duck year in order to reset everything.