Cowboys 2024 7-round mock draft: Post-Wild Card round loss edition.
It’s officially mock draft season for the Dallas Cowboys.
You know what time it is? It’s mock draft time!
The Dallas Cowboys, who fell to the Green Bay Packers 48-32 in the Wild Card round, secured the 24th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Although it’s not how many of us saw this club ending the season, given how they’ve played in previous postseasons, it’s also not all that surprising.
We decided it would be a good idea to inject some fun into the organization in light of the current state of disarray and the changes that will probably take place over the following few days and weeks. For that reason, we decided to use the Pro Football Focus draft simulator today to conduct a way-too-early mock draft for the Cowboys.
*Dallas Cowboys projected compensatory picks included
Round 1, Pick 24 – CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
While Stephon Gilmore and Jourdan Lewis are free agents and may play elsewhere next season, Trevon Diggs will be recovering from a knee injury that ended the season. Dallas’ CB depth is unknown and poor outside of Diggs and DaRon Bland. They might target the position early in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft as a result.
The Dallas Cowboys secondary would benefit from the tenacity and adaptability that Ennis Rakestraw would bring. The 188-pound, 6’0″ wide receiver can play both outside and in the slot and can hold his own as a run defender. Combining him with DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs would give Dallas a potent CB trio.
Round 2, Pick 56 – OC Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
Tyler Biadasz is now currently a free agent and could potentially leave in free agency this offseason. His leaving would create a hole in the middle of the Dallas Cowboys offensive line and sadly they really don’t have a starting caliber option currently on the roster. Filling this void could be one of the top priorities for them in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Jackson Powers-Johnson is projected to be one of the best center prospects, if not the best, in the 2024 draft class. The 6’3″, 320-pound OC out of Oregon could be an option to fill a Biadasz hole. He checks every single box as a player and would help the Cowboys re-stock their offensive line
Round 3, Pick 87 – DT McKinley Jackson, Texas A&M
Jonathan Hankins and Neville Gallimore could depart via free agency this offseason and so far Mazi Smith hasn’t lived up to is first-round draft status. That doesn’t bode too well for the Cowboys defensive line, it is why it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see them target the position at some point in the Top 100 in the 2024 NFL Draft.
In McKinley Jackson, the Dallas Cowboys would be adding one of the most underrated and talented defensive tackle prospects in the 2024 draft class. The 6’2″, 325-pound former Texas A&M DT is at his best as a big bodied run stopper, but isn’t a slouch as a pass rusher by any means either.
Round 4, Pick 124 – OT Sataoa Laumea, Utah
The Cowboys long-time starting left tackle Tyron Smith is now currently a free agent. While he was relatively healthy in 2023 and had one of his better seasons, it’s probably time for the Cowboys to find his replacement. Tyler Smith could factor into the equation, but considering the way he played at LG Dallas could be reluctant to move him.
Sataoa Laumea is an intriguing offensive line prospect in this year’s draft who could possibly have four position flex in the NFL. He was predominantly a right tackle and right guard during his time Utah, however, he possesses the athletic ability to potentially be a starting blindside protector at the next level as well. That versatility could be invaluable.
Round 5, Pick 174 – LB Cedric Gray, North Carolina
Leighton Vander Esch’s playing career could possibly be over after his latest injury. That leaves Damone Clark and Markquese Bell returning as the Dallas Cowboys most proven linebackers for next season. But, don’t forget DeMarvion Overshown as a potential starter. He was looking like Dallas’ best draft pick in 2023 before his season-ending injury.
With Overshown, Clark, and Bell as a young, talented trio the Cowboys could stand to try to upgrade and add depth to the LB position next year. Cedric Gray could be just that player. He is a modern day NFL LB in every sense of the word. He has the range to play sideline-to-sideline as well as downhill and could push for a starting job in Dallas as a rookie.
Round 6, Pick 212 – EDGE Khalid Duke, Kansas State
This offseason, Dante Fowler and Dorance Armstrong might both become free agents, reducing the defensive depth the Cowboys have had in recent years. Although Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Sam Williams still make for a solid trio, a team can never have too many pass rushers.
While at Kansas State, Khalid Duke was a versatile defender who could play off-ball linebacker and edge rusher. What makes him even more intriguing is that he has the starting caliber potential to play two positions at the next level. As he matures, he might be a vital member of Dallas’ special teams and offer depth at both spots.
Round 7, Pick 245 – RB Blake Watson, Memphis
Tony Pollard is a free agent, and the Cowboys had trouble running the ball the whole season. Among the running backs in the 2024 draft class, Blake Watson might be one of the most gifted and underappreciated players. He may be better suited to play in a platoon because of his slight build (5’9″, 195 pounds), but he has excellent contact balance, quickness of movement, and patience as a runner. In addition, he excels as a pass defender and receiver.
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