Dallas Cowboys 2024 Mock Draft: Offense dominates after trade down
The lack of activity in the first week of free agency has many Dallas Cowboys fans upset once again. Dallas has a lot of roster holes to fill, has made more transfers than additions so far, and is relying heavily on acquiring a 2024 draft pick.
The Cowboys currently have a total of seven draft picks. Due to the Trey Lance trade, they currently do not have a fourth-round draft pick.
With the departure of Tony Pollard, the team needs to find replacements for backfield mates Tyron Smith, Tyler Biadasz and Rico Doodle, as well as strengthen depth at several other positions.
If you think about it, you probably need to hit more picks than you miss. For all of these reasons, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them trade down to accumulate more draft capital when the 2024 NFL Draft begins in April.
Today we explore this possibility and attempt to address their “roster needs.”
Graham Burton played left tackle at Duke and could survive at the next level as a blindside protector.
However, the consensus is that he has Pro Bowl potential if he gets kicked inside as a defenseman or center.
He will be a plug-and-play starter for the Cowboys from day one as backup to Tyler Biadasz. His mauler mentality and athletic ability immediately upgrades Dallas’ OL and his versatility to play multiple positions is a bonus as well.
Wide receiver could be a sneaky “need” for the Cowboys, especially after releasing Michael Gallup. Ja’Lynn Polk will not only erase that need, but also upgrade Dallas’ entire receiving corps.
The 6’2″, 205-pound WR is exactly what they need playing alongside CeeDee Lamb. Polk is a legit deep threat, a nuanced route runner, and one of the better contested catch receivers in the entire 2024 draft class.
Jalen Wright’s quickness and explosiveness make him a home run threat every time he touches the ball. He has the potential to be as good or better than Tony Pollard as a rookie from day one.
The 5-foot-10, 200-pound running back is just 20 years old and entered the NFL with no previous injury concerns.
With him, Rico Doodle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis and Hunter Luepke, the Cowboys will have an attractive group of young running backs.
At 6-foot-1 and 300 pounds, Brandon Coleman is a versatile offensive lineman who is already relatively familiar to the Cowboys.
The local junior played all over the offensive line during his time at TCU and could do the same with the Cowboys.
He has typical size, length (34-inch arms), and athleticism, making him ideal as a backup to Tyron Smith or in a role at LG if Dallas decides not to release Tyler Smith again. may be fulfilled.
Seeing Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler both sign with the Washington Commanders in free agency, following Dan Quinn, the Cowboys have added DeMarcus Lawrence, Micah Parsons, and Sam Looks like he’s a little behind Williams.
Xavier Thomas has some interesting qualities that are worth investing in and would give the Cowboys much-needed depth and special teams value at this point in the draft.
The Cowboys could still add more depth at the position after signing Eric Kendricks as their new starting center fielder. At 6’1″, 240-pounds, Curtis Jacobs has the size and athleticism Mike Zimmer seems to prefer at the MLB position in his defensive scheme.
He’s already met with the Cowboys informally at the combine, making him someone we know they already have somewhat of an interest in.
The Cowboys would preferably target the defensive tackle position earlier than this, but unfortunately that’s not the way this mock draft played out.
Despite that, Jaden Crumedy is an intriguing DT prospect the Cowboys could show an interest in the later part of the draft.
The 6’3″, 301-defensive tackle is a run-stuffer who would provide some much-needed depth at the position and hopefully help fix Dallas’ run defense woes.
Last year’s trade of Deuce Vaughn to the Cowboys was a good draft story, but it will pale in comparison to the draft of Quantez Stigers.
His history alone makes you want to get excited about this guy, but it’s his interesting athleticism and skill set that will make him a welcome addition to the Cowboys cornerback room.
The 5-foot-11, 203-pound cornerback was the CFL’s Rookie of the Year last year and has the potential to be a solid contributor.