The 2024 NFL offseason is in full swing with a number of coaching changes in both conferences, including the NFC's Dallas Cowboys. Longtime defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has taken a job as head coach of fellow NFC East foe, the Washington Commanders. That happened after the Cowboys' season ended with a come-from-behind loss at home to the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs.
The Cowboys are currently in offseason mode along with the rest of the NFL, starting with the NFL Scouting Combine next week. Indianapolis has a number of prospects that the Cowboys are interested in, but there is one player who stands out among Dallas' first-round pick, No. 24 overall.
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Although experts disagree on which players the Cowboys should select, one prediction holds true throughout most NFL mock drafts. That's the path the offensive line should take. Here are the latest mock draft predictions from USA Today's Nate Davis and Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, as well as CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli and NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah.
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys Prediction
Middlehurst Schwartz: Amarius Mims, Otto State, Georgia
Mims had limited starting time in college, but has perhaps the highest growth rate of any offensive tackle prospect in his class. At 6-foot-7 and weighing around 340 pounds, his athleticism stood out even against the SEC's high-end competition.
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middlehurst schwartz: “Jerry Jones appears focused on staying the course despite Cowboys' wild-card disqualification against Packers, but Dallas sees long-time left tackle heading elsewhere in free agency Mims may have to replace Tyron Smith if he retires. Mims has only started eight games, but his name and the fact that he played right tackle at the University of Georgia may need to be replaced by Jones. He's a high-upside option that players could be attracted to.”
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Davis: Jordan Morgan, Otto State, Arizona
Morgan started the past two seasons as a left tackle for the Wildcats, but could transition to guard at the NFL level. His blend of size, athleticism, and skill shines in pass protection. His run blocking ability is solid, but he needs to improve.
Davis: “Even if they re-sign Tyron Smith, it won't last long. Morgan, one of the last All-Pac-12 performers, will be able to move on from Dallas while giving the team an option to keep Tyler Smith wary.” '', the former college left tackle performed very well. ”
Fornelli: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington State
Like Morgan, Fautanu is a strong pass protector who can continue at tackle or move to guard at the NFL level. His run blocking is a little inconsistent, but he has the potential to grow. Washington, anchored by Fautanu, won the Joe Moore Award for college football's best offensive line.
Fornelli: “Maybe Tyron Smith re-signs with the Cowboys, maybe he doesn't. Either way, the Cowboys would do well to address their offensive line early in the draft. We've seen players with shorter arms succeed in tackles, but Fautanu has the legs and strength to make it work. ”
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Jeremiah: Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
Guyton's performance at the Senior Bowl has him moving up in mock drafts. Oklahoma's tackle wingspan, athleticism, and height (6 feet 7 inches tall) make him ideal for an offensive tackle in the NFL. He may be the worst run blocker on this list, but his pass blocking is among the best and has given the team plenty of upside.
Jeremiah: “With Tyron Smith becoming a free agent, the Cowboys could have 2022 first-round pick Tyler Smith manning one of the tackle spots and Guyton the other. .”
How to watch and stream the 2024 NFL Draft
when: April 25-27, 2024
where: Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan
cable: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network
Streaming: NFL+, ESPN+, Hulu+ Live TV, FuboTV
How to watch:Watch the NFL Draft and more with a Fubo subscription
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