Dallas Cowboys 2024 Mock Draft: Offense leads after trade down

The lack of activity in the first week of free agency has many Dallas Cowboys fans up in arms again. Dallas has a lot of roster holes to fill, has made more subtractions than additions so far, and will rely heavily on acquiring a 2024 draft pick.

The Cowboys currently have a total of seven draft picks. They currently do not have a fourth-round draft pick due to the Trey Lance trade. The need to find replacements for the starting backfield mates of Tyron Smith, Tyler Biadasz and Rico Doodle following the departure of Tony Pollard, and more depth at several other positions. Given what they need to do, they need to make more picks than misses.

Because of all of this, it would not be surprising to see them trade down to accumulate more draft capital when the 2024 NFL Draft begins in April. Today, we explore that possibility and try to address their “roster needs.”

*Trade*

1.30 – OC Graham Burton, Duke

Graham Burton played left tackle at Duke and could survive as a blindside protector at the next level. But the consensus is that if he gets kicked inside by a guard or center, he has Pro Bowl potential. He will be a plug-and-play starter for the Cowboys from day one, replacing Tyler Biadasz. His ferocious mentality and athleticism would instantly upgrade Dallas' office staff, and his versatility to play multiple positions is also a bonus.

2.56 – WR Jarrin Polk, Washington

Wide receiver could be a sneaky “need” for the Cowboys, especially after releasing Michael Gallup. Jalin Polk would not only solve that need, but upgrade Dallas' entire receiving corps. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound WR is exactly the player they need to play alongside CeeDee Lamb. Polk is a legitimate deep threat, nuanced route runner, and one of the most contested catch receivers in the entire 2024 draft class.

3.87 – RB Jalen Wright, Tennessee

Jalen Wright's quickness and explosiveness make him a home run threat whenever he touches the ball. He's had as much potential as Tony Pollard as a rookie since day one, if not more. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back is only 20 years old and enters the NFL with no concerns about past injuries. With him, Rico Doodle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis and Hunter Luepke, the Cowboys will have an attractive lineup of young running backs.

3.93 – OL Brandon Coleman, TCU

At 6'6″ and 320 pounds, Brandon Coleman is a versatile offensive lineman that the Cowboys should already be relatively familiar with. The local prospect played all along the offensive line during his time at TCU. The Cowboys could do the same thing, with typical size, length (34-inch arms), and athleticism, and should Dallas choose to move Tyler Smith out again. There is a possibility of stepping in as a successor or as LG.

5.174 – DE Xavier Thomas, Clemson

Seeing Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler follow Dan Quinn and sign with the Washington Commanders in free agency, the Cowboys have little to no defensive end with DeMarcus Lawrence, Micah Parsons, and Sam Williams. Looks like it's getting thin. Xavier Thomas has some interesting qualities that are worth investing in and would provide the Cowboys with much-needed depth and special teams value at this point in the draft.

6.216 – LB Curtis Jacobs, Penn State

Even after signing Eric Kendricks to become their new starting middle linebacker, the Cowboys could still add depth at the position. At 6-foot-1 and 240 pounds, Curtis Jacobs has the size and athleticism that makes Mike Zimmer seem to favor defensive positions at the MLB position. He has already met informally with the Cowboys at the combine and is someone they already know. I'm a little interested in.

6.234 – DT Jayden Cramedi, Mississippi State

It would be desirable for the Cowboys to target the defensive tackle position sooner than this, but unfortunately that didn't happen in this mock draft. Nevertheless, Jaden Cramedi is an interesting starting point candidate that the Cowboys could be interested in later in the draft. The 6-foot-3, 301 defensive tackle is a run stuffer who will provide much-needed depth at the position and hopes to help solve Dallas' run defense woes.

6.244 – CB Quantez Stigers, Toronto (CFL)

Deuce Vaughn joining the Cowboys last year was a good draft story, but it pales in comparison to drafting Quantez Stigers. His story alone makes you want to root for this guy, but it's his interesting athleticism and skill set that makes him a welcome addition to the Cowboys cornerback room. The 5'11″, 203-pound cornerback was the CFL's Rookie of the Year last year and has the ability to definitely contribute.