(Editor's note: The content provided is based on the opinions and perspectives of the DallasCowboys.com editorial staff and not the opinions of the Cowboys football staff or organization.)
Frisco, Texas — It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. I stick a megaphone to my mouth and say it like I'm Joe Clark and this is Eastside High. The Dallas Cowboys have to be the proud owners of one of the best harvests. Franchise history when the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books.
It's a lot to spend nearly a year trying to achieve a great draft, which is the goal of all 32 teams, but this offseason brings a unique level of pressure. As an example, the team suffered an internal hemorrhage due to a mass exodus of talent in free agency, with most of it going to Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders, with some going to other destinations like the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans. That's what happened. And the Seattle Seahawks.
These losses include future Hall of Fame left tackle Tyron Smith, starting center Tyler Biadasz, starting running back Tony Pollard, starting nose tackle Jonathan Hankins, and impact pass rushers Dorance Armstrong and Dante. – Includes Fowler, not to mention the rotational defensive talent of Neville Gallimore.
Draft needs (unranked): OT, C, LB, RB, DT, WR, CB
What makes things infinitely more awkward is that the Cowboys have only signed two outside free agents, Eric Kendricks and Royce Freeman, with the former considering he's still on the table in combination with Dallas' pressing needs. It plays an important role as it relates to what you are bringing to the table. At linebacker.
Yes, the 2023 draft class needs to step up big as well, and the 2022 draft class that came out of the gate in their respective seasons needs to step up big as well, but let's not apply fertilizer here. Let's. This year's draft class doesn't have much time, if anything, to commit to the final year of head coach Mike McCarthy's contract (and as things stand, he's not the only one in that situation).
Welcome to my only annual seven mock drafts for the Cowboys. And they wasted no time in acquiring more picks within the top 100 (actually top 110).
Dallas Cowboys, you're officially out.
trade: Proposals from Lions, Counter Proposals, Acceptance
- cowboy receives: 29th overall pick (1st round) + 73rd overall pick (3rd round)
- the lions receive:24th overall pick (1st round)
“Hey Jerry, it's Brad…”
I placed 24th overall and was hoping that the team would bring in some of their underdogs, which thankfully turned out to be the case. In fact, three people called, but it was Detroit that declared them eligible to make an offer. However, the Lions don't have a 2024 fourth-round pick, and a 2024 fifth-round pick doesn't work for me here. I let them throw the extra tip on the table. I felt the deal made sense considering who they wanted, but I later understood why they chose former Crimson Tide offensive tackle J.C. Latham. .
It's a win-win scenario considering the other blue-chip prospects I've been eyeing are still well within the 29th overall pick.
trade: 49ers Offer, Counter Offer, Acceptance
- the cowboy receives: 31st overall pick (1st round) + 94th overall pick (3rd round)
- 49ers receive:29th overall pick (1st round)
”[text] Jerry, it's John. Please call before choosing…
Just as I was ready to choose again, the phone rang. But this time it was an offer from John Lynch and the San Francisco 49ers. They are eyeing a strong WR threat that they feel could be lost to the Baltimore Ravens, with the goal of pairing him with Zay Jones instead of Lamar Jackson.
The 49ers have three fourth-round picks in 2024, and they wouldn't mind getting a little richer by accepting my counteroffer — paired with the No. 31 overall pick. Waving off their initial offer of a 4th round pick and risking losing the contract entirely by making me an offer – a 3rd round pick to choose who they did. .
They plucked explosive offensive talent Troy Franklin from Oregon State (which, by the way, is eerily aware that this is clearly an algorithm in tune with the situation regarding Brandon Aiyuk. Skynet).
If you're keeping track, the Cowboys entered this mock without a pick in the fourth round, but now they have a pick three And as it turned out, my bet paid off. Because one of the top offensive linemen I circled was still on the board at No. 31.
A giant approaches. Warn the villagers.
1. Jackson Powers-Johnson, C
- choose: Round 1, 31st overall (via trade with 49ers in 2024)
- school: Oregon
- pre-draft interest rate: Official 30th visit
- honor: Rimington Trophy Winner (2023), All-American Champion (2023), First Team All-Pac 12 (2023)
