2024 NFL Draft: What do the Cowboys need? Projected picks in every round

NFL Draft 2024 live online: First-round picks, teams, players and big board updates

The Dallas Cowboys are a team with an enviable position in the upcoming NFL draft, holding the 24th pick in the first round. The team has several needs, including rebuilding their offensive line, replacing their running back, and getting help at receiver, linebacker, and defensive tackle. Fortunately, the board has fallen favorably for the Cowboys, presenting them with two standout tackles, Olumuyiwa Fashanu from Penn State and JC Latham from Alabama.

The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the best teams in the NFC this season, and they are serious contenders for the Super Bowl. Despite their success, the team still has areas that require improvement. Both Fashanu and Latham possess immense talent and potential, making the decision challenging for the Cowboys’ management.

Dallas Cowboys mock draft by rounds

First

Olumuyiwa Fashanu is a 21-year-old tackle from Penn State, standing at 6′6″ and weighing 319 pounds. He has an impressive skill set, including exceptional pass-blocking abilities, as evidenced by his flawless collegiate career with zero sacks allowed. Fashanu is a standout prospect with a pass-blocking grade of nearly 89, making him an ideal fit for the Cowboys offensive line. He could offer protection for quarterback Dak Prescott’s blindside or anchor the right side of the line.

JC Latham is another promising tackle. At 6′6″ and 335 pounds, he has remarkable versatility and an 81 grade. Although his pass-blocking grade is slightly lower than Fashanu’s, his overall abilities make him a valuable addition to any team.

Second

In the second round, the Cowboys aim to bolster their linebacker corps by selecting Edgerrin Cooper from Texas A&M with the 56th pick. Cooper is a standout player with all-around skills, excelling in rushing the passer, run defense, and coverage. Pairing him with Micah Parsons could create a formidable defensive duo for the Cowboys.

Third

Moving to the third round, pick 24, the Cowboys address their need at the running back position by selecting Bucky Irving (Mar’Keise “Bucky” Irving) from Oregon. Irving has impressive grades and a versatile playing style that promises to bring dynamism to the Cowboys’ offense.

Fourth

Xavier Worthy, the wide receiver from the Texas Longhorns, would be a great addition for the Cowboys, constantly searching for their second wide receiver option behind CeeDee Lamb. He’s ranked as the No. 6 receiver in the class, and the Dallas franchise would acquire the fastest player to run the 40-yard dash at the combine since at least 2003 (4.21 seconds).

Fifth

With a compensatory pick at the end of the fifth round, the Cowboys will focus on shoring up their offensive line with Drake Nugent from Michigan. Nugent’s steady improvement and solid performance make him a reliable option to reinforce the center position.

Sixth

In the sixth round, the Cowboys add depth to their safety position by selecting Trey Taylor from the Air Force. Taylor’s standout coverage skills and versatility make him a valuable addition to the defensive unit.

Seventh

In the seventh round, the Cowboys continue to add depth, selecting Darius Muasau from UCLA to bolster the linebacker room and Josiah Ezirim from Eastern Kentucky to provide depth and flexibility along the offensive line.

Overall, the Dallas Cowboys have a well-thought-out draft strategy that addresses their most pressing needs and positions them for continued success in the NFL. The selected players really show their versatility, which is close to the versatility needed by the Texan NFL organization.