As we prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft, one of the key exercises is to see where the holes are on the current Cowboys roster. So let's put together a plan for 53 people using only their current talent. This is one of the clearest ways to determine how Dallas will prioritize this week's draft picks.
This is especially interesting right now considering there was a huge exodus of players this offseason and very little turnover. Tyron Smith, Stephon Gilmore, Tyler Biadasz, Tony Pollard, Leighton Vander Esch, Michael Gallup, Jaylon Kearse, Dorrance Armstrong, Dante Fowler, and most likely joined the team this August. The other players who would have left have left. So far, Dallas has retained just a few free agents from last year and added two outside free agents. Big difference between number of departures and arrivals/keepers.
Thankfully, the Cowboys have this year's draft and we know some of their remaining free agents are working to improve the status quo. But what would the team look like if they had to play this weekend?
Offense (25)
Quarterback (3)
Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush, Trey Lance
running back (3)
Rico Doodle, Lois Freeman, Deuce Vaughn
fullback (1)
hunter lupke
wide receiver (5)
CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cook, Jalen Tolbert
Cavonte Turpin, Jalen Brooks
tight end (4)
Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker
Peyton Hendershot, John Stevens
Offensive line (9)
Tyler Smith, Zach Martin, Terrence Steele
Brock Hoffman, TJ Bass, Asim Richards
Chuma Edga, Matt Waletzko, Josh Ball
The most glaring issue here is, of course, along the offensive line. The only clear starters going forward are Smith, Martin, and Steele. There are positive signs from promising prospects Hoffman and Bass, but asking them to start next year is risky. Hopefully Dallas' recent draft picks like Richards and Waleczko can compete. But even with this guy in a group of nine, he may not have a backup center. I can see why Dallas would go OL early in most mock drafts, perhaps even with first- and second-round picks.
While keeping four tight ends and a fullback may seem rich, John Stevens is a sort of hybrid WR/TE, giving them depth at both spots. The Cowboys would probably shed some weight here and add some depth to their defense, but with the current talent there was literally no one else they could keep on the other side of the ball. So, for now, we're leaning toward flexibility on offense, allowing us to attack teams with a variety of looks and personnel.
We're at the top of the depth chart and other than our offensive line and running backs, we're pretty much good. How quickly Dallas invests in a new starter at running back is one of the major talking points of this draft. A second-round pick would be a possibility if Trey Benson or Jonathan Brooks were available, but many would like the Cowboys to wait and see until at least the third round. However, if you wait too long, you could end up in a better situation than if Dowdle had been the starter.
Defense (24)
defensive end (6)
Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Sam Williams
Chauncey Gholston, Viliami Fehoko, Tyrus Wheat
defensive tackle (3)
Osa Odighizuwa, Maji Smith, Carl Davis
Linebacker (5)
Eric Kendricks, Damone Clark, Demarvion Overshawn
Markkes Bell, Buddy Johnson
Cornerback (6)
Trevon Diggs, Daron Brand, Jordan Lewis
Israel Mukuamu, Nashon Wright, Eric Scott
Safety (4)
Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson
Juannie Thomas, Sheldrick Redwine
This got ugly in a hurry, especially in the front seven. I know the team intends to do that, but they're so thin at linebacker that they haven't even been able to move Marquez Bell to safety yet. So it feels almost certain that at least one mid-round pick could go there, and maybe more depending on who falls. Eric Kendricks is only here on a one-year deal, so it would make sense to get a player who can compete for the future with Clark and Overshawn.
Dallas currently only has three defensive tackles. A defensive end like Gholston or Fehoko could have been able to fit inside to some degree in Dan Quinn's scheme, but Mike Zimmer prefers bigger players in more traditional roles. The Cowboys are almost certain to draft at least one defensive tackle this week, but they could also look to sign an inexpensive veteran to fill out depth in the coming months.
The secondary feels pretty solid. Once Bell is back in a safe place, it will likely be the end for Sheldrick Redwine. A young prospect could take a roster spot from the likes of Nashon Wright or Israel Mukuamu, but at least Mukuamu has some versatility as a corner or safety. It would be nice to have at least one new corner on the upswing, especially since Jourdan Lewis just signed a one-year deal.
special teams (4)
K Brandon Aubrey, P Brian Unger
LS Trent Sieg, ST CJ Goodwin
We don't call Goodwin a cornerback anymore. Because that's not why he's here. The veteran is no stranger to special teams, serving as the gunner and leader for John Fassel's crew. We've thought for years that young players would step up and take his place. And every year we are proven wrong. I hope the Cowboys keep him on the roster until they actually decide to move him.
