An offseason bonanza means Dallas’ first-round pick is a bonus.
The Cowboys went on an early offseason spree, trading for five-time Pro Bowl CB Stephon Gilmore and WR Brandin Cooks. They also re-signed Pro Bowl RB Tony Pollard, LB Leighton Vander Esch and S Donovan Wilson.
Aside from still trying to re-sign free-agent DT Johnathan Hankins, Dallas addressed its primary roster issues, permitting more freedom before the draft because team needs don’t have to dictate strategy.
“It’s a dream scenario for a team that loves to draft,” wrote Fox Sports’ David Helman. “The Cowboys have patched the holes in their roster more efficiently than they usually do, and now they’re in place for the most coveted of all strategies: Best Player Available.”
The Cowboys have the No. 26 overall pick, a decent position where several intriguing prospects could be available.
Per Tankathon, Dallas will improve its passing game, which ranked 14th in yards last season, by selecting Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer.
The 6-foot-4, 249-pound TE had 67 receptions for 809 yards and nine receiving TDs — the most among TEs — in 12 games last season. As a result, he was also a First-Team All-American.
The Cowboys can also reinforce their D-Line. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah predicts they will select Michigan DT Mazi Smith.
The 6-foot-3, 323-pound DT made First-Team All Big-Ten in 2022, recording 48 tackles in 14 games. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he had 34 bench press reps, the most among DTs and tied for second among all prospects.
Regardless, most of the Cowboys’ needs are tackled, so they don’t have to compromise during the draft.
