3 First-Round Prospects That Could Fall to the Cowboys at No. 56

Every year during the NFL Draft, players wind up being selected higher — or lower — than projections. Last year, for example, the Dallas Cowboys brought in Michigan nose tackle Mazi Smith in Round 1 while most draft pundits saw him as a Day 2 pick.

We also saw defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, linebacker Jack Campbell, and EDGE Felix Anduike-Uzomah go higher than expected. That typically leads to players sliding in the draft which we also saw in 2023 with cornerback Joey Porter, Jr. and tight end Michael Mayer going into Round 2.

With that in mind, here’s a look at three prospects projected as Day 1 picks who could potentially slide to Dallas at No. 56 during the 2024 NFL Draft.

3. Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

Originally, it seemed to be a certainty that Jackson Powers-Johnson was going to be a top-20 selection this year. Now with the draft just days away, there are concerns he might not even be picked on Thursday night.

Some cite the lack of value placed on centers as the reason for his slide but there’s also a belief that NFL scouts are higher on Zach Frazier than they are on JPJ.

Perhaps that could be a win for Dallas. They’ve shown interest in Frazier but if they went in a different direction in Round 1, they might still find a starting-caliber center at No. 56. And even if Powers-Johnson isn’t as well thought of in NFL circles as it seems, he’s still an upgrade for the Cowboys.