Dallas' draft strategy will likely be fueled by its ability/willingness to retain players like Smith, Biadasz, Hankins and Armstrong.
Given the makeup of the 2024 draft class, and offensive lineman could provide the most value for the Cowboys. The Bleacher Report Scouting Department has 11 linemen ranked among its top 32 prospects in its latest 2024 big board.
Trading up for a tackle like Alabama's JC Latham could make plenty of sense—either to help replace Smith or to provide an upgrade the right tackle spot, where Terence Steele has been a liability.
"He needs added patience to counterbalance his attacking play style, but he has the tools, skill set and runway to start in year one with Pro Bowl potential within his first contract," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote of Latham.
Dallas may also consider interior linemen like Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson or West Virginia's Zach Frazier at the bottom of Round 1 or early on Day 2. Moving Tyler Smith back to tackle and replacing him at guard is an option the Cowboys will likely consider.
Defenders like Clemson lineman Ruke Orhorhoro, Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and Utah edge-rusher Jonah Elliss will likely interest Dallas on Day 2. The team's linebacker depth is lacking, and the Cowboys may need to reload their defensive front.
A defensive back like Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin or Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter could also interest Dallas early, depending on how free agency unfolds.
Aside from the offensive line, the Cowboys don't have many offensive needs. The biggest will be at running back should Pollard depart. Expect RB prospects like Florida State's Trey Benson, Wisconsin's Braelon Allen and Notre Dame's Audric Estimé to be in play for the Cowboys.
Don't expect the Cowboys to find much in the later rounds of the draft. Due to trades, they don't possess picks in the fourth, fifth or sixth rounds. Dallas has its own selections in the first three rounds plus a pair of seventh-rounders with which to work.
*Cap, contract and free-agent status information via Spotrac. Draft order information via Tankathon.
