Here are the Dallas Cowboys' biggest needs in the NFL Draft for the upcoming 2024 season. The Cowboys have been quiet in free agency after losing various key players this year, but things could change around this draft. The only notable addition this offseason was former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks. However, the Cowboys focused on bringing back players on at least one-year deals.
Re-signing players like cornerback Jordan Lewis and running back Rico Doodle. The team lost several defensive starters, including Dante Fowler Jr., Dorrance Armstrong, and Stephon Gilmore. According to speculation, this doesn't mean the Cowboys are looking to make a breakthrough this season. The Cowboys have a strong roster that can win at least 12 games and repeat their performance from last season.
It's no secret what they expect from this draft, as rebuilding mode has always been the cornerstone of this team. Since they aren't looking to spend big on low-cost veterans, this means they are looking to bring in young talent to strengthen the team. The Cowboys have seven picks in total, including the 24th overall pick, which they could potentially trade. However, the American team could be aggressive this year by trading some players and acquiring more picks.
There are rumors that the Cowboys would consider trading third-string quarterbacks Trey Lance or Cooper Rush, so I wouldn't be against that. Don't expect them to be aggressive on opening night of this year's draft. They might just want a mid-round pick. Securing top talent from the 2024 group should be a top priority for the deep Cowboys.
Top NFL Draft needs for the Dallas Cowboys
offensive tackle
The Cowboys have decided to move on from longtime veteran starting left tackle Tyron Smith. This means teams will aim to address the offensive tackle position with a first-round selection. Dallas has always been a team that rebuilds its offensive line by committing to one pick to help shore up franchise quarterback Dak Prescott's line. This is what the Cowboys were trying to do when Tony Romo was on the team, but it was a little too late.
The good news, however, is that this year's offensive line draft depth is so deep that the Cowboys can take as many as they want. They may want to be strategic, so six other candidates would be sufficient to address their other needs. The Cowboys could be aggressive in the first round after Smith is out.
Top prospects for this year's NFL Draft include Joe Alt, Olumuyiwa Fashanu and Troy Fautanu. However, Aruto and Fashanu are expected to be removed from the Cowboys roster before they have a chance to be selected. This means Dallas could consider trading at least up to the 15th pick to acquire Fautanu. Drafting him could give the Cowboys some competition between him and Tyler Smith in training camp.
The good news is that whoever wins will have depth at the position after losing a key veteran.
run back
The Dallas Cowboys have been quiet in free agency this season, not acquiring a running back since Tony Pollard left. But all that could change on day two of the NFL Draft. What the Cowboys need is to give the team a solid running back who will be ready in Week 1. The team can't necessarily trust Dowdle or Vaughn as starters because they are unproven.
Florida State's Trey Benson is the top-ranked running back and could turn heads on Day 2, according to Bleacher Report Scouting. However, the Cowboys need to have a backup plan in case the player they want leaves early. The good thing is there are other backs to consider, including Texas' Jonathan Brooks and Wisconsin's Braeron Allen.
linebacker
This position is probably the most important the Cowboys want to address this NFL Draft. With Leighton Vander Esch retiring, simply signing Eric Kendricks this offseason likely won't help the team. The team has Demarvion Overshawn back from injury, but he did not play in the league. This leaves Kendricks and Damone Clark as the only healthy, experienced starters.
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