Sport DFW
FanSided

3 Top Prospects Who Could Surprisingly Fall to the Cowboys at No. 24

The NFL Draft never goes as planned. Who has a chance to slide into the back half of the first round?

By Richard Louis

Feb 28, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy (DL18) speaks at a press
Feb 28, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy (DL18) speaks at a press / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 2
Next

2. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT

The Cowboys are going to be in the market for a tackle at some point in the draft. They saw the longest-tenured Cowboy Tyron Smith leave town in free agency and join the New York Jets.

Now Dallas needs to get someone to protect Dak Prescott's blindside and Olumuyiwa Fashanu could be a surprising option at 24. This draft class has a lot of talent in the trenches and Fashanu has the chance to be one of the best in the class.

The Penn State product is one of the best pass-blocking offensive linemen this year. Fashanu has a powerful punch to get defenders off-balance while having extremely nimble feet. Over three seasons with the Nittany Lions, Fashanu allowed 16 hurries, one QB hit, and zero sacks.

Fashanu is one of those prospects this year that people are nitpicking even though he has great film. Yes, he allowed a career-high 10 hurries in 2023 but he has all the tools needed to excel at the NFL level. Don't be shocked if Dallas has a chance to select him.

3. Brian Thomas Jr., WR

Everyone knows that Dallas has a legitimate No. 1 weapon at WR with CeeDee Lamb. That doesn't mean they shouldn't look at bringing in another playmaker.

Brandin Cooks was the No. 2 WR in 2023, posting 54 receptions for 657 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. Those are solid stats but the Cowboys could use another explosive force. That difference maker could be LSU's Brian Thomas Jr.

Thomas Jr. is an extremely fluid athlete who owns game-breaking speed on the outside. He glides downfield and can track the ball with ease.

Last year, Thomas Jr. racked up 68 receptions for 1,177 receiving yards with 17 touchdowns. He also logged 17.5 yards per reception.

A cause for concern among scouts is that Thomas Jr. only has one year of great production under his belt. I know that could raise some flags but the Louisiana native has all the natural ability to excel at the NFL.

If Dallas believes that can continue to develop Thomas Jr., this would be a home run selection and provide the Cowboys with a dominant 1-2 punch for the future.

More Cowboys news and rumors:

feed

Home/Dallas Cowboys