The Cowboys have historically done a good enough job in free agency that they will be able to draft the best player available. Obviously this year is different. Do the team's needs this time outweigh the opportunity to draft the best player available?? – Jeremy Kincheloe/Virginia Beach, VA
Nick Eatman: I think that's probably the most important question of this draft. We always hear about the “best player available,” but I think this year it has to come down to “best available need.” But is this good news or bad news? Either way, the Cowboys seem to have a lot of needs. In any case, it's hard to imagine a player dropping to number 24, which is unnecessary. We think left tackle, center, running back, defensive tackle and probably linebacker are the biggest needs. But we can't really sack cornerbacks, wide receivers, and maybe guards if they take Tyler Smith out for a tackle. So this team has a lot of needs. If they just pick the best player on their board, he'll probably be a player that can help right away. At least that's the plan. So I think needs will win out this year, which isn't a bad thing because there are a lot of needs.
patrick: This is why I wanted to see them do more in free agency. The Cowboys, who acquired just one outside talent (Eric Kendricks) amid a talent exodus to other teams, now have not one, but several impending acquisitions heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. They are in the enviable position of having such needs. That makes it very difficult for him to simply focus on getting a BPA (best available player) with each pick, especially when he only has seven picks to start with. They want more picks (tradebacks, etc.) and more freedom to acquire a BPA or two, while ultimately addressing as many needs as possible. You'll need to do everything you can. It's clear here that while the Cowboys often do well in the draft on a regular basis, a return to the Super Bowl requires a multifaceted offseason approach that also includes knowledge of free agency. I understand. andAdvantage in the draft.
