The Dallas Cowboys will have their draft board put to the test April 29 through May 1, with 10 picks ready to call in. Team owner Jerry Jones and the front office will not only take into account the needs of the team but how a player fits into the scheme and their overall athletic availability. It’s no secret the Cowboys are in need of defensive help, however, question marks do remain on offense. If Florida Gators TE Kyle Pitts is available at No. 10, should the team stick to need or reach out and grab a game-changer?
ESPN’s Todd McShay recently dissected the major needs of each team in the league as well as added some notes about their potential thought process.
Dallas Cowboys
Top draft needs: TE, DT, CB, S, LB, G, OT, P
I highlighted tight end here because I think a difference-maker there could take this offense to another level, but it’s no secret that Dallas will be zeroing in on defensive players with the majority of its 10 draft picks. There’s a real chance it has its pick of every defensive prospect in the class at No. 10, but it shouldn’t stop there. Cornerback and safety haven’t been fixed, and the middle of the defense — defensive tackle and linebacker — ought to get a long look. Only four teams allowed more points in 2020.
The thought of the offense growing to an even higher level sounds wild.
In Prescott’s last full season the offense passed for over 4,700 yards and the team scored 434 points. This was prior to adding CeeDee Lamb and done before Prescott’s injury, interrupting his record-setting 6,760 passing yards-pace.
But the tight end might not be there and if not, the next several needs point to the defensive side of the ball.
Two top-tier cornerbacks will likely go early in Round 1: Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II and South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn. The first round is hardly where the club can find help. McShay adds, “You aren’t out of luck if you’re seeking defense, though. Days 1 and 2 could feature numerous defensive backs and edge rushers who will make their presence felt in the NFL.”
Dallas has eight noted positions viewed as high need. Some, such as punter, may have been settled via free agency with the addition of competition for Hunter Niswander through Bryan Anger. Others such as safety, defensive tackle, and linebacker are critical and could be handled in multiple ways with Dallas deciding to complete deals via trade, later round picks, or continue to look at the intriguing available players in free agency.
