The Dallas Cowboys have a huge list of roster needs thanks to a bizarre free agency approach that sees many players leave and no replacements return.
With Dak Prescott's contract situation receiving attention throughout the offseason and likely throughout the regular season, the Cowboys could add pieces to their roster to put themselves in a better position to pursue that elusive Super Bowl trophy. There wasn't. Although this was a clear choice made by the front office.
With the departures of Tyron Smith (Jets) and Tyler Biadasz (Commanders), offensive line is Dallas' biggest need in the draft. But for NFL.com's Eric Edholm, in his latest mock draft, the Cowboys don't get better protection than Dak, but rather take LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. instead of Michael Gallup. become.
“The Cowboys don't have a ton of extra picks, but surprisingly Thomas is still on the roster at this point and I could see them being active,” Eholm wrote. ing. “Dallas really needs to add a pass-catching threat and may have to trade up to make sure they land something like this LSU product. He's an explosive talent and CeeDee It helps protect Lamb from a lot of deceptive reporting.”
Brian Thomas Jr. (11) picks No. 6 and scores a touchdown as LSU Tigers play Army Black
Scott Close/USA TODAY Network/USA
Thomas Jr. could easily be seen as Gallup's replacement. The six-year veteran had a career-low 418 receiving yards and just two touchdowns on his 34 receptions, leading to the team's decision to end their partnership. This leaves another hole on offense that Thomas Jr. could fill.
There's a good chance Thomas Jr. will put up Gallup numbers in his first role in Mike McCarthy's offense at a significantly lower cost. Last season at LSU, Thomas Jr. had 68 receptions, 1,177 yards and a whopping 17 touchdowns while linking up with Jaden Daniels.
In Dallas, Thomas Jr.'s speed and separation could slot him into the WR3 role behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks, making him a deep-threat option for Prescott. As a first-round pick, Thomas Jr. will not play against Jalen Tolbert in training camp, and Thomas Jr. is expected to start as a WR3 from the start.
Offensive line is clearly the bigger need for the Cowboys in the first round, but another weapon would be enough for Dak in a lame duck year. In Thomas Jr., he's got a speed burner who can make instant decisions on any play.
