NFL Team Report – Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys – 12-5 – Owner/GM Jerry Jones
Head Coach Mike McCarthy – 3rd Year
Key Team Needs: 1. OL 2. DE 3. CB 4. TE 5. WR
1st Round Pick #24 – 9 total picks
- Offensive Guard /Center /Tackle – The Cowboys have problems on their line with issues at guard and tackle plus little overall depth. Former Pro Bowlers, LT Tyron Smith and OG Zack Martin returned to previous levels. Center Tyler Biadasz is overmatched inside. LG Williams left in FA and RT La’el Collins was released. They could address this area early and like tackle Bernhard Raimann, center Tyler Linderbaum and guard Zion Johnson and Kenyon Green and will consider them with the #24th selection. In the 2nd and 3rd rounds, they have Tyler Smith, Sean Rhyan, Abraham Lucas and Cole Strange on their short list. Expect them to address this unit twice over the early rounds with only marginal backups on the roster.
- Defensive End – The Cowboys lost Randy Gregory in FA and have pressing needs opposite DaMarcus Lawrence. They love George Karlaftis and will consider moving up for him. They like David Ojabo who is falling in the first after a pro day Achilles injury. They like DeMarvin Leal and Boye Mafe and they will get strong 2nd day interest. Also, they like Cameron Thomas in the 3rd round. This position is a must with an early selection.
- Cornerback – The Cowboys have lost young starters Chidobe Awuzie and Bryon Jones in recent years. They have Pro Bowl corner Trevon Diggs along with young unproven. Vets Jourdan Lewis and Anthony Brown were joined by rookies Kelvin Joseph and Nashon Wright with marginal results. They need to add a quality prospect with starting talent. They like Andrew Booth with the #24 pick and hope he falls after minor muscle surgery. He performed at the high level in the ACC and can be a plug and play NFL starter. They also like Roger McCreary and Zyon McCullom on the 2nd day. They have little proven depth and this area must be addressed if they expect to beat playoff caliber clubs. They also have a need at safety.
Cowboys – Short List Players
1st Round Prospects
Zion Johnson OG Boston College
George Karlaftis DE Purdue
Andrew Booth CB Clemson
Bernhard Raimann OT C. Michigan
2nd Day Prospects
2nd Round
Tyler Smith OT Tulsa
DeMarvin Leal DL Texas A&M
Roger McCreary CB Auburn
Boye Mafe DE Minnesota
3rd Round
Daniel Faalele OT Minnesota
Cam Jurgins OL Nebraska
Sam Williams OLB Mississippi
Zyon McCollum CB Sam Houston State
Cameron Thomas DE San Diego St
Insiders’ Insights
The Cowboys won the weak NFC East only to get bounced out in the Wildcard playoff week. The offense performed poorly in big game situations. QB Dak Prescott returned from a 2020 fractured ankle and performed very well, though had a poor playoff performance. Their highly rated offense relied on a potent passing game along with runners Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. Their once powerful offensive line slipped further and is a prime area to be rebuilt through the NFL Draft. Veteran wideout Amari Cooper was traded to create cap room and sign wideout Michael Gallup. Young CeeDee Lamb becomes the #1 receiver. Their rookie draft class had major impact from their top selection LB Micah Parsons. He provided playmaking ability for an average defense which struggled in many areas. Backer Leighton Vander Esch returns on a one-year deal. They could focus primarily on defense with high choices in this draft, though the offensive line is the highest priority. This class should focus there also especially in the early rounds. They hope to address their secondary and front line and maybe each with a top 100 selection. They could address the corner spot early and maybe by the 2nd round. They still need front four defenders, especially an edge rusher opposite DeMarcus Lawrence who has struggled when getting special attention after another sub 10 sack performance. They love George Karloftis and Andrew Booth with their 24th pick.
1st Round Pick – Bernhard Raimann – Emerging developed tackle would give this line a plug and play starter.
Alternate Pick – Zion Johnson – Blue-chip versatile lineman would give this unit a major boost.
