The NFL Draft is finally starting.
After a quiet free agency period, the Dallas Cowboys are looking to make a splash in the NFL Draft.
Dallas owns the 24th overall pick in Thursday's first round and could use it to fill one of several needs.
Which way will the Cowboys go?
what is this dallas morning news' Columnists and beat writers are watching the Cowboys perform in the first round.
Tim Cowlishaw
Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU: The Cowboys tend to draft offensive linemen in the first round even when the need isn't as great. Losing two starters in free agency and without a fourth-round pick, the offense will have to work quickly to keep it viable. They may like Amarius Mims here, but with the Eagles picking two up, and given the love they have for Georgia's players, the Cowboys will take the big tackle from BYU. If Tyler Smith can remain vigilant, he'll be satisfied.
Michael Gerken
Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia: Naturally, it's impossible to know who will be number 24. If the Cowboys want to keep Tyler Smith alert, a tackle like Amarius Mims makes more sense. If you value versatility, Graham Burton is the way to go. But Frazier is exactly what a Cowboys lineman should be, with an extraordinary blend of physicality, maturity, smarts and toughness. Maybe the team trades back to get him, like they did with Travis Frederick, or they could just select him and get paid.
david moore
Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU: By the time the Cowboys have time, the first wave of offensive tackles will likely be gone. In this scenario, the club would be willing to step back and acquire BYU's Kingsley Suamataia, assuming Graham Burton also leaves.
Kevin Sherrington
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia: The Cowboys trade down No. 1, get No. 4, and still get a starter at LT. Mims is the perfect successor to Tyron Smith. He's huge, with the wingspan of a 747 and incredible upside. Like Tyrone, I have had many scars. He's worth the risk.
Calvin Watkins
Graham Burton, OT/G/C, Duke: Barton played tackle in college and plans to play center/guard in the NFL. Can Barton solve the center position? Yes, it is. It's unclear what his selection means for Tyler Smith, who could transition from guard to tackle.
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