Before drafting Madge Smith last year, the Dallas Cowboys hadn't taken a defensive tackle with a first-round pick since Maryland's Russell in 1991. They could wait another 30 years to do it again, but the Cowboys might have some good options on their team with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. If so, what should Dallas do?
It's clear that the offensive line is the team's greatest need right now, but the defensive line is no exception. Smith didn't really hit the ground running last year, but Osa Odigizua is currently in the final year of his contract. With Jonathan Hankins and Neville Gallimore signed elsewhere in free agency, the Cowboys only have one player they can really rely on for next season.
Two names to watch this Thursday night are Illinois' Jazan “Johnny” Newton and Texas' Byron Murphy II. Both of this year's prospects are ranked in the top 15 overall, but one or both could fall to Dallas with the 24th pick. Both are athletic, destructive DTs with the potential to contribute to the rotation right away. And if Dallas chooses to let Odighizuwa go in free agency next year, ideally either Newton or Murphy, who have three to four years left on their rookie contracts, would be ready to slide into a starting role. There will be.
This is not to say the Cowboys should take a DT when they have comparable OL talent, especially a candidate at left tackle. But a lot can happen between the first 23 picks, and Newton or Murphy could be the best players available if Dallas is available. If the next options like OT, C, RB, WR feel a little out of reach and there are no good options to trade down to, could Newton or Marpuri be the best use of that pick?
Some may balk at that considering Madge Smith was drafted last year, but this move doesn't mean Smith will be written off. The hope is that new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will fix the issues with rookie Smith and allow him to fill a one-tech role on the line. If either Newton or Murphy is selected, they will be the three-tech starting duo with Smith for the next few seasons.
Again, I'm not saying this is the best outcome for Thursday night. This is something you don't want, especially if you're primarily focused on the Cowboys' next season. But depending on how the first round plays out, and if Dallas is taking a long-term view on this draft like they have in other aspects of the offseason thus far, the DT pick may be more likely than it seems on the surface. may also make sense.
Odighizuwa has been more than adequate as a starter, but he hasn't been an explosive playmaker. Some believe Newton and Murphy have that potential, and they could be upgrades that add even more balance to the defense. Making teams pay to focus on Micah Parsons is a good strategy for whoever runs this defense, but to do that they need players who can capitalize on opportunities.
Indeed, the idea of Dallas going back-to-back defensive tackles in the first round seems unlikely, no matter how long it takes between Russell Maryland and Madge Smith. But given the Cowboys' chronic scoring problems, Smith's lack of immediate impact and Osa Odighizuwa's impending free agency, the possibility exists. The Cowboys could surprise people with their selection if one of their top talents at DT falls to their selection.
