The Dallas Cowboys' decision to sit through free agency this offseason shows they hope to fill a number of holes before the draft begins Thursday.
They need to rebuild their offensive line, replace running backs and get help from receivers, linebackers and defensive tackles. That means the best player at No. 24 in the draft is likely to fill that need.
Here are various mock draft projects.
ESPN: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
ESPN's Nate Miller: “This acquisition would be great value for the Cowboys, who are always looking for a WR2 after CeeDee Lamb. He's No. 25 on my board and No. 6 receiver in the class. The Cowboys will have the fastest player to run the 40-yard dash at the combine since at least 2003 (4.21 seconds). ”
NFL: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Eric Edholm of NFL.com: “The ultimate first-round prospect, Mims has special traits and could be an absolute monster down the road. But he started in just eight games. Mims, who has been out and made all the right tackles, also has some serious issues with “danger.'' “
CBS Sports: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia State.
RJ White of CBS Sports: “Typically, the Cowboys are linked to Tyler Guyton at this point in the draft, but there's a good chance Mims is still available in playing time. He has all the characteristics and will land at the top.'' Dallas is a good place to develop. ”
ESPN: Jordan Moran, OT, Arizona State
ESPN's Jordan Reed: Reed predicts Dallas will trade the No. 24 pick to Kansas City for the No. 32, No. 95 and No. 159 picks, followed by an offensive tackle. He writes: “Dallas needs multiple starters on both sides of the ball after a quiet free agency period, but the additional draft picks from our simulated trade will help. The Cowboys need reliable blockers who can play. We could start by getting Morgan, who is a tackle or a guard. ” This gives Dallas an option in Tyler Smith, who can also tackle and guard. Morgan has the power for the game and could start on Day 1 in the NFL. ”
more:Mock Draft: Who will the Dallas Cowboys pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?
PFF: Graham Burton, C, Duke
PFF.com: “The Cowboys are in dire need of starting talent on the offensive line, as Tyler Biadasz and Tyron Smith will be in different uniforms next year. He primarily plays tackle for the Blue Devils. Burton, who was previously in the league, will probably slide to center field in Dallas.
Ringer: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
The Ringer: “It might be a surprise to see Cooper (or any other linebacker) in the first round, but I'm not going to doubt the Cowboys, who have played nearly every top linebacker in the pre-draft process. ”
CBS Sports: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia State.
Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports: “Amarius Mims' size and athleticism make him special in this top OL draft class. The only problem is he hasn't played much football and was healthy last fall. But he has been on the field, including in his first collegiate start against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff in January 2023. He has shown his feelings.”
CBS Sports: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports: “Why can't the Cowboys add another young, elite burner to their receiver group? It would be fun for Dak Prescott to stay in state.”
ESPN Mock Draft Simulator: Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma State
