Dallas Cowboys Draft: 7 likely first round targets
By Ashton Nicks
With just a few days before the 2023 NFL Draft, let’s take a look at 7 likely first round picks for the Dallas Cowboys.
This off season, the Dallas Cowboys were able to fill some major holes in their roster. Offensive line, although not completely a weakness, could be argued is the Cowboys’ biggest need.
O’Cyrus Torrence, OL Florida
They are seemingly set at tackle with Tyler Smith, Tyron Smith coming back and Terence Steele returning from injury. Although they have some flexibility with Tyler Smith and Steele at guard, the Cowboys could take O’Cyrus Torrence at 26. In 2022, Torrence was penalty-free, something this Dallas lineup has struggled with.
Steve Avila, OL TCU
Another option at offensive line, Avila has a full season of starting experience at left guard, a need for the Dallas Cowboys. If the front office wants to go this direction and O’Cyrus Torrence isn’t on the board, Avila has good leadership qualities as he was one of the Horned Frogs’ captains last year.
Jalin Hyatt, WR Tennessee
When the Dallas Cowboys traded for Brandin Cooks, wide receiver moved down on their list of needs. This doesn’t mean the Cowboys won’t address the position at pick 26. They picked up CeeDee Lamb’s 5th year option but there is no guarantee at the position past 2023.
Jalin Hyatt might be a good option if Dallas wants to get Dak more weapons. He finished second in the FBS last season with 15 receiving touchdowns. Most mock drafts have him going somewhere between the Cowboys’ pick to early in the second round.
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Alabama
The Dallas Cowboys have more pressing needs than running back this offseason but landing Jahmyr Gibbs in the draft would allow them to put together an upgraded one two punch at running back compared to last season. The Cowboys could possibly trade back into the second round to get Gibbs who would be a nice tool for Dak after finishing the 2022 season with 1,370 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rusher and receiver.
Calijah Kancey, DT Pittsburgh
With speed and quickness comparable to Aaron Donald, Calijah Kancey is an athletic beast as an interior defensive lineman. Despite his size, Kancey could fit well with an already talented Dallas Cowboys D-line.
Michael Mayer, TE Notre Dame
After failing to reach an agreement with Dalton Schultz this offseason the Dallas Cowboys are looking for a replacement for their star tight end and that might be Michael Mayer at 26. Mayer caught 180 passes for 2,099 yards and 18 touchdowns in three seasons with Notre Dame.
Dalton Kincaid, TE Utah
If the Dallas Cowboys want to go tight end in the first round and Mayer isn’t on the board Dalton Kincaid would be a viable option. Kincaid is a versatile tight end that can create mismatches and is a catching tight end that could show flashes of Jason Witten. The downside with Kincaid is his size and his struggles with run blocking.