Dallas Cowboys (Last Year: 12-5)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
A- GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Cowboys’ top priority is finding a left tackle in the wake of Tyron Smith’s departure for the Jets. They also have some other glaring holes, including receiver (No. 2 option across from CeeDee Lamb), defensive tackle, and linebacker. Dallas also needs a new running back with Tony Pollard now in Tennessee.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Dallas was criticized for failing to find a running back or a No. 2 receiver to help Dak Prescott, but I thought the team had a strong draft overall. The excellent drafting began right away when the Cowboys traded down from No. 24 to 29 to acquire a needed left tackle in Tyler Guyton, who easily could have been chosen at Dallas’ original pick. The Cowboys then bolstered their blocking again with Cooper Beebe in the third round. Beebe was expected to go in the second frame, so this was a solid value pick.
The Cowboys also made sure to address their defense at every level. They began with defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who was a fine option at No. 56. While Kneeland wasn’t a great bargain, Marist Liufau and Caelen Carson were in the third and fifth rounds, respectively. Linebacker and cornerback were needs, so Liufau and Carson will help in those areas.
Of Dallas’ eight picks, five scored A- or better, and the worst grade given to them was a “B.” It’s odd that the Cowboys didn’t take a shot at a running back at all, and that they didn’t explore drafting a receiver until the sixth round, but they did well to improve the rest of their roster.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
29. Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma – A+ Grade
This was a sharp move by the Cowboys. With Troy Fautanu gone, the Cowboys liked Tyler Guyton and Graham Barton the most as candidates for No. 24 overall. They could have taken either there, but they moved down five spots and acquired most assets, and yet they still got their man. This was excellent drafting after last year’s debacle.
56. Marshawn Kneeland, DE, Western Michigan – B Grade
I assume the Cowboys would have drafted Jonathon Brooks here if they could. Instead, they’ll take a running back in the third round. Marshawn Kneeland makes sense as a new edge rusher, as I expected him to go in this area. He wasn’t overly productive in college, but he made a name for himself during the pre-draft process.
73. Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas State – A- Grade
Any offensive lineman makes sense for the Cowboys, who lost some talented blockers this offseason. Cooper Beebe is a rock-solid interior lineman who can definitely improve the blocking unit. I thought he could have gone in the second round, so I like the value.
87. Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame – A Grade
The Cowboys lost Leighton Vander Esch, so they had to find a new linebacker. Marist Liufau is a potential solid replacement, as he has terrific athleticism, speed, and upside. I thought he’d go earlier than this, perhaps even the second round, so I love the value.
174. Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest – A- Grade
No receiver, no running back, but a great value at the end of the fifth round. Caelen Carson has some speed concerns, but was a prospect who could have been considered in the third round. He’s a tough and gritty cornerback who could emerge as a starter in Dallas.
216. Ryan Flournoy, WR, SE Missouri State – A- Grade
Finally, an offensive play-maker for Dak Prescott. Ryan Flournoy really helped himself with a strong Senior Bowl week to match his production at his small school. This is a solid pick, as Flournoy could have gone much earlier on Day 3.
233. Nathan Thomas, OT/G, Lousiana-Lafayette – B Grade
The Cowboys landing another lineman makes sense, though you’d think they’d draft a running back at some point. Nathan Thomas was projected around this area. He played tackle in school, but may have to move to guard in the pros.
244. Justin Rogers, DT, Auburn – B+ Grade
The Cowboys were poor versus the run last year, especially in the loss to the Packers in the playoffs. Adding a 346-pound nose tackle like Justin Rogers makes sense here in the seventh round.
Season Summary:
Another year, another disappointing finish. The Cowboys looked like they could do some serious damage when they destroyed the Eagles on national TV late in the year, but that turned out to be more false hope for the fanbase.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Two Linebackers: Dallas had issues in the middle of its defense last season, especially when battling tougher opponents. Two new linebackers are needed. Signed Eric Kendricks
- Defensive Tackle: The Cowboys struggled to stop the run when they weren’t beating down far inferior opponents. Aaron Jones bulldozed through their defense, so a major upgrade is needed in the interior of the front.
- Two Offensive Linemen: Make it one offensive lineman if Tyron Smith is re-signed. If Smith leaves, Tyler Smith will move to left tackle, leaving a hole at guard. Meanwhile, right tackle was a liability last year.
- Running Back: Tony Pollard is an impending free agent. He’s coming off a down year, but was recovering from a broken leg.
- Cornerback: Stephon Gilmore is another player set to hit free agency. There will be a hole in the secondar if he leaves.
- Safety: Jayron Kearse will be entering free agency as well. He’s coming off a down year anyway.
- Wide Receiver: Dallas could stand to add a better No. 2 receiver than Brandin Cooks to complement CeeDee Lamb.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Dallas Cowboys Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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