Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft: What To Expect

The NFL Draft is always an exciting time for football fans, and for us Dallas Cowboys enthusiasts, it's a period filled with anticipation, speculation, and hope. What will America's Team do to improve its roster this year? Which positions will they target, and which players will they snag? Let's dive into what we can expect from the Cowboys in the upcoming NFL Draft, analyzing their needs, potential strategies, and some players they might be eyeing.

Understanding the Cowboys' Current Needs

Before we start predicting picks, it's crucial to understand the Cowboys' current roster situation. After free agency and considering departures, some positions need more attention than others. Addressing these needs through the draft is critical for sustained success.

• Offensive Line: The Cowboys' offensive line, once considered the team's strength, has seen better days. With the departure of key players and some aging veterans, bolstering the O-line is paramount. Protecting Dak Prescott and opening up running lanes for the running backs will be essential for the Cowboys' offense to thrive. Expect the Cowboys to consider offensive tackles and guards early in the draft. A strong offensive line can transform an entire offense, providing the foundation for both the passing and running game.
• Linebacker: The linebacker corps could use some fresh talent and depth. While there are solid contributors, adding a young, dynamic linebacker who can cover ground and make plays is a definite need. A speedy, hard-hitting linebacker can significantly improve the Cowboys' defense, especially in today's NFL, where coverage skills are crucial. The modern NFL linebacker needs to be able to cover tight ends and running backs, as well as blitz the quarterback effectively.
• Wide Receiver: CeeDee Lamb is a star, but the Cowboys need to find a reliable number two receiver to take some pressure off him. Adding a receiver with size, speed, or exceptional route-running skills would give Dak Prescott more options and make the Cowboys' passing game more explosive. The Cowboys could look for a receiver who complements Lamb's skillset, whether it's a deep threat, a possession receiver, or a red-zone target. A strong receiving corps is essential for any successful NFL offense.
• Defensive Line: You can never have too many pass rushers. Adding depth and talent to the defensive line is always a good idea, especially in a division with talented quarterbacks. The Cowboys need to keep the pressure on opposing quarterbacks and disrupt their passing game. A disruptive defensive line can make life easier for the secondary and force turnovers. The Cowboys could target defensive ends or defensive tackles who can rush the passer or stop the run.
• Cornerback: While the Cowboys have some promising young cornerbacks, adding more depth and competition at the position is always beneficial. In today's pass-heavy NFL, having multiple quality cornerbacks is essential. The Cowboys need to be able to match up with the various receiving threats they face each week. A strong cornerback can shut down one side of the field and force quarterbacks to look elsewhere. The Cowboys could look for a cornerback with size, speed, or ball skills.

Potential Draft Strategies

Given these needs, what strategies might the Cowboys employ in the draft? Here are a few possibilities:

1. Best Player Available (BPA): The Cowboys have often stated that they prefer to draft the best player available, regardless of position. This strategy focuses on adding the most talented player to the roster, even if it's not necessarily a position of immediate need. The idea is that talent wins out in the long run, and the team can always find a way to utilize a highly skilled player. This approach requires a strong scouting department that can accurately evaluate talent across all positions.
2. Trading Up: If the Cowboys have their eye on a particular player who they believe will be a star, they might consider trading up in the draft to secure him. This is a risky strategy, as it requires giving up valuable draft capital, but it can be worth it if the player turns out to be a difference-maker. Trading up is often done when a team believes that a player is unlikely to be available when their original pick comes around.
3. Trading Down: Conversely, the Cowboys might trade down in the draft to acquire more picks. This allows them to address multiple needs and increase their chances of finding valuable players. Trading down is a good strategy for teams that have a lot of holes to fill or that believe there is a lot of depth in the draft. It also allows them to accumulate more assets for future drafts.
4. Focus on Value: The Cowboys might prioritize finding value in the later rounds of the draft. This involves identifying players who are being undervalued by other teams and who have the potential to develop into solid contributors. This strategy requires a keen eye for talent and a willingness to be patient with player development. Finding value in the later rounds can be a cost-effective way to improve the roster.

Players to Watch

Here are some players who could be on the Cowboys' radar, based on their needs and potential draft position:

• Offensive Tackle: Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State), JC Latham (Alabama), and Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma) are all highly-rated offensive tackles who could be available when the Cowboys pick. These players possess the size, strength, and athleticism to excel in the NFL. They would provide immediate help to the Cowboys' offensive line and protect Dak Prescott.
• Linebacker: Payton Wilson (NC State) is a fast and physical linebacker who could be a good fit for the Cowboys' defense. He's known for his instincts, tackling ability, and coverage skills. Wilson would bring a much-needed injection of speed and athleticism to the Cowboys' linebacker corps.
• Wide Receiver: Adonai Mitchell (Texas) is a big, physical receiver with excellent hands. He would give Dak Prescott a reliable target in the red zone and on contested catches. Mitchell would complement CeeDee Lamb and provide the Cowboys with a dynamic receiving duo.
• Defensive End: Laiatu Latu (UCLA) is a polished pass rusher with a variety of moves. He could provide an immediate boost to the Cowboys' pass rush. Latu is known for his technique, motor, and ability to get after the quarterback.
• Cornerback: Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama) is a smooth and athletic cornerback with excellent coverage skills. He could compete for a starting job right away. McKinstry is a ball-hawking cornerback who can create turnovers.

Mock Draft Predictions

It's always fun to speculate, so let's make a few mock draft predictions for the Cowboys:

• Round 1, Pick 24: Tyler Guyton, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma. The Cowboys address their need at offensive tackle by selecting Guyton, a player with tremendous upside and the potential to be a long-term starter.
• Round 2, Pick 56: Payton Wilson, Linebacker, NC State. Wilson's speed and athleticism make him a valuable addition to the Cowboys' defense.
• Round 3, Pick 87: Adonai Mitchell, Wide Receiver, Texas. Mitchell provides Dak Prescott with a big-bodied receiver who can make contested catches.

Final Thoughts

The NFL Draft is an inexact science, and it's impossible to predict with certainty what the Cowboys will do. However, by understanding their needs, potential strategies, and some players they might be targeting, we can get a better sense of what to expect. Whether they go with the best player available, trade up, trade down, or focus on value, the Cowboys will be looking to add talent and improve their roster for the upcoming season. So, buckle up, Cowboys fans, it's going to be an interesting ride! This draft is crucial for the Cowboys to address their weaknesses and build a team that can compete for a Super Bowl.

Ultimately, the success of the Cowboys' draft will depend on their ability to identify and develop talent. The draft is just the first step in the process, and the Cowboys will need to work hard to turn their draft picks into productive players.