The 2024 NFL Draft is officially less than a month away. How will the Dallas Cowboys attack after the free agency hiatus? Dallas needs to address multiple needs at key positions, so let's take a closer look at his three-round mock draft, which will be conducted on Pro Football's network simulator.
24 – Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma State (RAS = 9.71)
Gone are the days of Tyron Smith, a left tackle who had consistent production but inconsistent playing time. There's a big hole right now in Dak Prescott's blind slide, but fortunately for Dallas, this is one of the best offensive line classes in recent years. There will be a runaway before the No. 24 overall pick early in the first round, but there's a good chance there's one or two left who could be seriously considered.
In this scenario, the University of Oklahoma's Tyler Guyton would slide to the left side of the line alongside Tyler Smith. Guyton played right tackle for the Sooners, but his elite athletic grade of 9.71 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) gives him the potential to at least turn things around quickly.
Guyton is one of the best overall pass protectors this year, but his biggest strength in his portfolio is his overall measurement ability. At 6’8” tall with 34 1/8” arms and 322 pounds, Guyton checks all the physical boxes scouts and league officials want. If Guyton can build off a solid first year starting at Oklahoma, he has a good chance of making the Pro Bowl.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said during Tuesday's NFL owners meeting that he feels comfortable keeping Smith at his current position at left guard. If that's the case, Dallas may already have their eyes on several prospects with this selection.
56 – Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida State (RAS = 9.91)
Simply put, Dallas needs another weapon to add to their offense. CeeDee Lamb says he can handle over 170 targets, but what are his future plans outside of it? Jalen Tolbert is thought to be able to play a role, but not getting consistent playing time. Further polishing is still required to achieve this. Brandin Cooks also only has one year left on his contract, opening the door for Dallas to prepare for a second-day selection.
Pearsall is considered an elite route runner, but the former Florida Gator has started to gain attention and raise his stock at the NFL Scouting Combine. Pearsall recorded a 4.41 40-yard dash, 42-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-9-inch broad jump and 6.64 3-cone. All of those marks were elite, and the Florida product was eyed for second-round consideration.
Placing Pearsall in the slot would give Prescott another weapon to get open with his speed and deft route-running ability. If Cooks also leaves after this season, Dallas will have two pass catchers (Tolbert and Pearsall) on rookie contracts, which would be a record extension for Lamb.
87 – Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan State (RAS = 8.38)
Dallas finally added a much-needed piece on defense with the third-round selection in this practice. The pick represents an upgrade over Jourdan Lewis, who will be a free agent in 2025.
Coming off a national championship, Theinristil will give Dallas another piece on defense with multi-position versatility. Sainristil performs best in this slot as a nickel cornerback, but it wouldn't be surprising if he was moved to safety at times.
Sainristil was one of the vocal leaders on the University of Michigan's roster, so the character box is checked here as well.
There's plenty of anticipation in the idea that Ceinristil, a former wideout who only became a defensive back two years ago, could quickly become entrenched as Dallas' starter.