The Dallas Cowboys, who just lost badly in the wild card round, need to take a hard look in the mirror and say, “Okay, but this is really our year.'' But this is the NFL, and expressing your intentions by repeating mantras doesn't work. If the Cowboys really want to make a breakthrough and reach the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1995, some changes will have to be made, and it starts with the draft.
Despite being one of the most complete teams in the NFL last season, the Cowboys still have some areas for improvement. Most notable are the running backs. Tony Pollard was supposed to emerge as a star lead back last year. Unfortunately, he couldn't handle the workload of a feature back. Dallas' backfield currently consists of Rico Doodle, Deuce Vaughn, and Royce Freeman, three not-so-great options.
However, Dallas could also improve its offensive line up front. Other than left tackle Tyler Smith and right guard Zach Martin, the Cowboys' O-line isn't where they want it to be. The loss of longtime left tackle Tyron Smith and center Tyler Beardis only exacerbates the need for a new big man.
There is plenty of halfback talent in this year's class heading into the second half. The team is likely to find the right player on the second or third day. However, the offensive line is a different story. Top end offensive line talent rarely fails at the NFL level, and given how top-class this year's class is, it seems unlikely the Cowboys will wait until Day 2 to secure their forward. Seem.
Here are the latest expert predictions for who the Cowboys will face in the first round.
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Bleacher Report: Amarius Mims, Otto State, Georgia
B/R NFL Scouting recently put together a three-round mock game where the Cowboys would likely take Georgia's tackle Amarius Mims in the first round. They said, “Dallas has been ahead of the curve in offensive line evaluation and development for decades, consistently investing in the position with premium draft capital and executing on that investment. Mims' eight-year career. “While he is starting, his future outlook is cloudy.” The NFL clearly has the tools and natural ability to become a high-end starting tackle over time, and the Cowboys desperately need these traits at left tackle. ”
ESPN: Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
Mel Kiper believes the Cowboys will move in the direction of the offensive line as well. Guyton's incredible athleticism, solid hands, and good fundamentals make him a safer player than Mims, but someone who might not be on the same level. Considering the Cowboys are still a phenomenal team with Super Bowl aspirations, perhaps playing it safe and not putting potential project players at risk is the way to go.
NFL.com: Jonathan Brooks, RB, Texas
Chad Reuter wrote, “Brooks' story (and game) reminds me of Todd Gurley, who suffered an ACL tear in November of his final season at Georgia and finished off as a top-10 pick the following April due to injury. Despite this, Gurley performed well.” Dallas, who threw the ball 1,265 times and caught 218 passes in his first five professional seasons, could consider Brooks a workhorse of its kind thanks to his combination of power and agility. ”
CBS Sports: Jackson Powers Johnson, IOL, Oregon
Chris Trapasso wrote, “The Cowboys have the best players available right now, and JPJ will get people moving in the run game and anchor their best players in pass pro.”
Sports Illustrated: Amarius Mims, Otto State, Georgia
Luke Easterling believes Mims will be selected by Dallas at age 24. Mims is clearly a physically gifted player. However, his lack of experience makes Mims a much riskier choice than other players playing in a similar range. The Cowboys could be willing to make it to the big leagues or go back home, and based on these projections, there's a good chance that's exactly what they have in mind.
How to watch the 2024 NFL Draft:
when: April 25-27, 2024
time: 12:00 PM ET/9:00 AM PT
where: Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan
cable: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network
Streaming: NFL+, ESPN+, Hulu+ Live TV, FuboTV
View draft:Watch the NFL Draft and more with a Fubo subscription
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