The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the least active teams in the free agency this year. They have seen the likes of Tyron Smith, Tyler Biadasz, Tony Pollard, and Dorance Armstong skip town. Dallas also had Leighton Vander Esch retire.
The only meaningful addition made was LB Eric Kendricks on a one-year deal.
With free agency cooling off, teams have started to shift their focus to the NFL Draft.
The Cowboys have seven total draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft but there are certain position groups they should target.
Below we'll discuss what the three positions are.
1. Linebacker
The Cowboys should look at adding a linebacker during the draft. With Vander Esch retired, the only addition made to that room was Kendricks, whose on a one-year deal.
They have Damone Clark, DeMarvion Overshown, and now Kendricks as the mainstays in 2024 for the unit but they need to add more force there.
Last year, they were in the middle of the pack in the NFL in run defense (112.4) which ranked 16th in the league.
When things mattered the most, the run defense came out up short. In the Wild Card loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys gave up 143 rushing yards with three rushing scores.
They were also playing safeties at the second level which led to them getting dominated on the ground.
With Kendricks slated to hit the open market again next March, they need to bring in another stout run defender.
2. Wide Receiver
The Cowboys have a certified No. 1 WR in CeeDee Lamb. He's lined up all across the formation and has the ability to take over games.
In 2023, Lamb was first in receptions (135), second in receiving yards (1,749), and third in receiving touchdowns (12).
But despite these staggering numbers, the Cowboys should look at adding another WR.
Brandin Cooks was the WR2 for Dallas in 2023 but he didn't change the game much. He finished with 657 yards and eight scores, which are solid numbers but the Dallas could get more juice on the outside.
This draft class is deep at WR and the Cowboys should use a Day 2 pick to add another pass-catcher.
3. Running Back
This one doesn't come as a surprise for any Cowboys fan. Dallas lost Tony Pollard in free agency and didn't do much to replace him.
Rico Dowdle is currently the lead tailback for Dallas but that needs to change. Teams around the league found productive rookie running backs in last year's draft (De'Von Achane, Tyjae Spears, Kyren Williams).
The Cowboys should follow that path and add an electric playmaker to the backfield. Having an effective ball carrier changes the dynamic of an offense and opens things up for everyone else.
In 2023, the Cowboys were 14th in the NFL in rushing offense (112.9). They already have a stout offensive line but need someone in the backfield to replace Pollard. The NFL Draft is their best choice to find a capable replacement.
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