In case you didn't know, one of the big events of the offseason, the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, took place over the weekend. His NFL prospects from around the country will gather to participate in medical exams and various on-field events, allowing the league's scouting department to further evaluate individual candidates.
It's perhaps a bit incongruous considering what takes place at the Indianapolis combine is often referred to as the “Underwear Olympics,” but it's still a valuable tool. Players can move their draft status up or down depending on their performance, but usually just by seeing what they show on film.
With all of this in mind, we thought it would be a good time to do another mock draft for the Dallas Cowboys. We know some of the prospects they've met both officially and unofficially and the positions they'll be targeting in the 2024 NFL Draft. With more information, we may be able to zero in on their potential targets in April.
Today we'll be using Pro Football Network's mock draft simulator. We are also making this exercise selection based on the belief that Dallas will address most of their defensive needs (DT, LB, CB) through free agency.
*Trade*
49ers 1.31, 2.63 to the Cowboys at 1.24.
1.31 – WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Xavier Worthy may have stolen some of his incredible 4.21 seconds in the 40-yard dash, but Adonai Mitchell's 4.35 seconds in the 40-yard dash at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds is itself is a great feat. “He could run that fast with his size. On top of that, he's a subtle route runner and a legitimate deep threat as well as a really good 50/50 ball catcher. He is one of the more complete WRs in the entire 2024 draft class and would be a great pairing with CeeDee Lamb as the Dallas Cowboys' No. 2.
*Official visit with Cowboys at combine
2.56 – OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
The 2024 draft class is full of really intriguing and athletic offensive tackles, but Kingsley Suamataia is among some of this year's best players. At 6'4″, 326 pounds, and 34-inch arms, the former BYU blindside protector is rare for a player of his size and athleticism. He is the Dallas Cowboys' LT and Tyron Smith. He could be a replacement, and there will obviously be some players who will improve, but after struggling early on, the combination of him and Tyler Smith gives the Cowboys a dominant duo on the left side of the office. That's going to happen.
*I did not meet with the Cowboys at the combine.
2.63 – RB Jalen Wright, Tennessee
As expected, Jalen Wright put on a show at the NFL Combine. He is probably the most athletic running back in the entire 2024 draft class and would be a great fit for the Dallas Cowboys. He's the perfect 3-down back and can bring it home whenever he touches the ball. He has patience as a runner, explodes through the hole, and plays with great contact balance. He is elusive and rarely goes down after first contact. He could be as good, if not better, than Tony Pollard on his rookie day.
*Official visit with Cowboys at combine
3.87 – OC Tanner Bortolini, Wisconsin
First Travis Frederick, then Tyler Biardash. The Dallas Cowboys like some of their Wisconsin centers, and Tanner Bortolini could be the next starter at the position. He was under the radar leading up to the NFL Combine, but his flashes of speed and athleticism should boost his draft stock significantly. He could potentially start for OC Dallas as a rookie. Add him to BYU OT and Tyler Smith and the makeover of Dallas' office staff would be nearly complete.
*Unofficial visit with Cowboys at combine
5.173 – LB Curtis Jacobs, Penn State
The last Penn State LB drafted by the Dallas Cowboys (Micah Parsons) has done quite well for them, and Curtis Jacobs could follow suit. He's exactly the type of big, physical LB that Mike Zimmer likes in his MLB defensive schemes. After bulking up for the NFL Combine, the 6'1″, 241-pound LB spent his days quietly competing with his peers at his position. He tested his best at each practice. , has really solidified his status as one of the better LBs and could compete for a starting spot in Dallas as a rookie in the 2024 draft class.
*Unofficial visit with Cowboys at combine
6.213 – CB Andre Phillips, Kentucky
Andre Phillips would be an absolute steal for the Dallas Cowboys at this point in the draft. He probably would have been considered only as a cornerback in Dan Quinn's defensive scheme, but the 5-foot-10, 190-pound corner isn't too small to play outside in Mike Zimmer's scheme. do not have. He is a smooth, fluid cover man with good recovery. Adding him to the mix with Trevon Diggs and Daron Brand will give the Cowboys more flexibility and creativity in their corner deployment options.
*Unofficial meeting with Cowboys at the combine
7.231 – DT Zion Logue, Georgia
We've heard from multiple sources within the Cowboys organization that they want to grow defensively, and Zion Logue certainly fits the bill. The former Georgia Bulldog defensive tackle, who stands about 6-foot-6 and weighs just under 315 pounds, would be a good addition to Dallas' DT rotation. He anchors down for power, and with his 33-inch arms and 80-inch wingspan, he's also surprisingly athletic for a player his size, making him a coveted one-tech for the Cowboys. It could add some depth.
*Unofficial meeting with Cowboys at the combine
7.242 – RB Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
It wouldn't be surprising at all if the Dallas Cowboys end up taking second place at the running back position in the 2024 NFL Draft. Undeterred by Jalen Wright's performance at the NFL Combine, Isaac Guerendo came out of nowhere and showed off his speed and athleticism. He was likely a priority free agent before the NFL Combine, but is now a legally draftable player. There's a lot to like about his intangibles, and he could compete for a key role early on as a rookie with the Cowboys.
*Unofficial meeting with Cowboys at the combine
