Cowboys Select Tyron Smith Successor in Mel Kiper's First 2024 NFL Mock Draft
After a disappointing Wild Card exit, the Dallas Cowboys' attention has shifted to the offseason. It's only a matter of time before free agency rolls around and the Cowboys have several key players on expiring contracts, including starting left tackle Tyron Smith.
Smith — an eight-time Pro Bowl blocker — has been a key part of Dallas' offensive line for the last 13 seasons and could wind up returning, but nothing is guaranteed. Pro Football Focus ranks the 33-year-old as the 14th-best free agent this offseason and compares him to fellow OT Terron Armstead, who signed a five-year, $75 million deal with the Miami Dolphins in 2022.
If Smith doesn't wind up returning, the Cowboys need an NFL-ready replacement who can slide right into the offensive line. Fortunately, ESPN's Mel Kiper has America's Team doing just that in his first 2024 NFL mock draft.
New 2024 mock draft is here. My first stab at predicting the top 32 picks. https://t.co/bMrNhPhRC6
— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) January 23, 2024
Cowboys Mock Draft: Dallas Projected to Select OT Jordan Morgan.
With the 24th overall selection in April, Kiper projects the Cowboys to draft Arizona offensive tackle Jordan Morgan. If the draft expert's mock is anything to go by, the 22-year-old blocker is one of the top five OT prospects in this year's class.
"Morgan is one of my favorite pass-protectors in this class. I love the way he moves his feet and handles twists and stunts."
- Mel Kiper on Jordan Morgan
After an underwhelming freshman campaign with the Wildcats, Morgan improved with each passing season. Take a glance at the chart below to see how much better his numbers were in 2023 and 2022 compared to 2021.
Season | # of Snaps | Sacks | QB Hits | QB Hurries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | 787 | 2 | 1 | 13 |
2022 | 667 | 1 | 2 | 147 |
2021 | 701 | 5 | 7 | 15 |
As a result of his latest performance, Morgan was named first-team All-Pac-12 in a season that saw the Wildcats finish as the country's No. 11 program en route to stomping the Oklahoma Sooners at this year's Alamo Bowl.
With how good the Cowboys' O-line is on an annual basis, it likely wouldn't take Morgan long to fit in. Left guard Tyler Smith — who the Cowboys drafted 22nd overall two years ago — was just named All-Pro second team following a strong sophomore campaign. It's hard not to salivate at the idea of what Morgan could look like in a few years if the coaching staff has the same impact on his development.
Will Morgan ever reach Tyron Smith's prime? It's too early to tell, however, the fact remains that the Arizona product would be the perfect replacement if the veteran LT heads elsewhere.
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