There are three positions where I think the Cowboys need to find a day-one starter in this year's draft: offensive tackle, center, and running back. It would be great if they drafted starters at all three positions on day one of the draft, but I'd probably be happy with just one. The question is, which position is most important for the team to attack? And if you look beyond day one and take a long-term view, does the answer change? – David Nystrom/Loudon, Tennessee
Nick Eatman: You could say it's the center position. If I was guaranteed to get an opening day starter in this draft, I would take the center because it would provide continuity across the line. You can always move the running back and forth, and while the left tackle is very important in protecting the quarterback, you can use the tight ends and backs to get help on the outside. Of course, centers can also get help, but overall I think having a center that can hold its own and also handle line calls is essential to the O-line as a whole. As you say, all three are important and may even help defensive tackles. However, I will focus your question on mine.
cart: I don't think the answer necessarily changes whether you're talking about day one or long-term. The Cowboys need a player to join their lineup this season and ideally be a cornerstone for the next decade. In this scenario, running away is not the most important thing. The NFL has shown that the position is not as valued as it once was. But between center and offensive tackle, I'd lean toward center right now. As Nate Newton said on our show, hang with the boys Podcasts have a better way to help tackle. Keeping the tight end, hurting the defender with the running back, just forcing the play in a different direction, that sort of thing. And they already have Tyler Smith on board, who could (and likely will) move from his current guard position to the outside. But the center is literally at the center of the action, and an intelligent and powerful snapper can make a huge difference. The Cowboys can tell the difference by looking at their final two starting centers, the solid Tyler Biadasz and the standout Travis Frederick. If Dak Prescott is under pressure up the middle, his job becomes very difficult, and of course running the ball becomes a problem. Hopefully the Cowboys can address both needs and get an impact player in the draft, but for me finding a center is key.
