America’s Team—the Dallas Cowboys—is preparing for its turn to have a historic moment. With the NFL Draft now less than three weeks away, their offseason is set to sizzle! Now with the 12th overall pick, the Cowboys have positioned themselves perfectly. They’ve loaded up roster priorities in free agency so they don’t have to reach in the draft, provide draft flexibility, and maintain a talent-rich pipeline.
True, during the last legislative session the Cowboys showed extraordinary skill at drafting offensive linemen, at least in the first round. As they assess their own roster, this trend remains very important. Last year’s first round pick, Tyler Guyton, has something to prove and he knows it. At the same time, the organization has continued to reinforce their offensive line.
The Cowboys deepened their commitment to offensive line. They were unsurprisingly active in free agency to fill several holes on their roster. The team has seen some great new additions! They brought in defensive tackle Solomon Thomas, pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr., and running backs Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams. These picks give the Spartans athleticism across the board, giving MSU more options on defense and tons of depth at skill positions on offense.
Some key positions remain to be filled. The Cowboys still need a reliable No. 2 receiver behind standout CeeDee Lamb. They need to re-stock at running back and fill out the cornerback position before they head to the 2024 draft.
The Cowboys are poised to make a major impact in this year’s draft, holding an impressive ten selections. They have picks in Rounds 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7. As for the absence of a fourth-round pick, don’t sweat it. Their first three picks would have a huge say in how well their draft plan turns out to be!
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner and general manager, expressed confidence in the team’s position heading into the draft. In the process, he underscored the necessity of drafting to fit what you need but being fluid to adapt.
“It melds with where we need players,” – Jerry Jones
Stephen Jones, the team’s executive vice president, further explained their draft strategy. He stressed the need to maintain flexibility throughout the selection process.
“Part of what we do in free agency is to make it to where, hopefully, there’s a great player sitting there with each pick that we really like. And [we] don’t want to be nailed down to, ‘Hey, it’s got to be a defensive lineman,’ or ‘It’s got to be a receiver,’ or ‘It’s got to be a linebacker or a running back,’” – Stephen Jones
There are still plenty of exciting prospects to come for the Cowboys. They might be in position to get difference makers such as Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty or Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka with that 12th overall selection. Their talent runs deep in key positions. This allows them the freedom to pursue at-risk talent and make gambles that move their team up the depth charts.
This was all part of Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer’s overall strategy to lay a solid foundation, and The Dawgs to be a strong two-way team offensive and defensive. He again stressed the key to winning as being able to run the ball and stop the other team from running it.
“You rush the quarterback, and you get sacks, strip sacks, fumbles, whatever it is. You score touchdowns. OK? You build it from the outside in,” – Brian Schottenheimer
As the draft nears, excitement grows over just how the Cowboys will make the most of their extensive war chest. The decisions made in the first three rounds will not only reflect their immediate strategy but shape the team’s future.
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