3 Prospects the Cowboys Should Trade Up for in NFL Draft
By Cem Yolbulan
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C
Another position of immediate need for the Cowboys is the center. After Biadasz's departure, it looks like Brock Hoffman is projected to get the start to begin the season. Considering the lack of experience Hoffman has, it's hard to see the Cowboys not making an addition to their interior offensive line rotation.
And that will likely come at the draft.
If the Cowboys are targeting a center in the early rounds of the draft, they aren't going to do better than Jackson Powers-Johnson. Playing with Bo Nix at Oregon, Powers-Johnson became the full-time starting center in 2023 for one of the most potent offenses in the country.
Powers-Johnson is a young prospect, similar to the previous two names mentioned on this list. Having just turned 21, the former Ducks starter will continue improving his game in the NFL. PFF already considers him the best interior offensive lineman in the draft class, giving him a 90.6 pass block and 85.6 run block grade.
The Oregon standout is currently mocked as a late first-round pick so the Cowboys can presumably draft him with their pick without having to trade up. However, if Dallas goes a different route with their first-round pick, they could still consider trading their second and third-round picks to move up and make sure they have their starting center of the future as well.
Regardless of what direction the Cowboys go in the draft, they will begin the 2024 season as one of the favorites to win it all. They currently have the best odds (+125) in the NFC East to win the division. Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook to get in on the action now. Don't forget to claim your $200 in bonus bets after your first winning wager.
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