FRISCO, Texas – There is no perfect plan going into the NFL Draft.
Each season, all 32 teams get an idea of how the draft will play out and which prospects might fill the obvious needs on their rosters. This year is no different and, if anything, more unpredictable than ever.
With less than 70 days remaining until the draft begins in Las Vegas on April 28, there is a list of just 10-12 players deep who would not be available to the Cowboys around the 24th overall pick. Some of those names include running backs Aiden Hutchinson (Michigan) and Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon), along with a pair of offensive tackles and a few quarterbacks.
But as everyone knows, even some of those names are likely to crash when draft day rolls around. That’s why there are always options for the next rounds that would address some hidden needs that might be ignored in the first round.
Suppose Dallas bolsters its biggest positional needs in the first round, in a draft that turns out to be full of talent at those positions.
Offensive guard, offensive tackle and quarterback rusher all have enough positional value to be picked in the first round, and they also have enough prospects around that level of talent in this class.
• If Dallas bolsters those options early, drafting a run-stopping defensive tackle could be the next position. UConn’s Travis Jones and Alabama’s Phidarian Mathis could fit nicely around the 50 pick, securing another oversized running game defender who could be paired with the duo of Neville Gallimore and Osa Odighizuwa.
• If they lose some of their talent at wide receiver this offseason, due to contract expirations and other factors, the second and third rounds could also be a sweet spot to draft receivers. Cincinnati’s Alec Pierce appeared in the Senior Bowl and could intrigue as a deep threat receiver who could be added to Dallas’ passing attack. If a possession receiver is needed, Skyy Moore (Western Michigan) could fill that void and play the job for Kellen Moore.
• Lastly, a middle linebacker to play alongside Micah Parsons could be an option on Day 2, should the right players become available. Christian Harris (Alabama) and Darrian Beavers (Cincinnati) might fit more naturally in a role like that, due to outside linebacker adjustments to top prospects Devin Lloyd (Utah) and Nakobe Dean (Georgia). Both Harris and Beavers have a chance to be available for Dallas in the second round, while Lloyd and Dean might not even be options for the 24th pick.
Excitement around the Cowboys’ second and third round picks is building because of the potential found on day two. Nothing is certain, but Dallas should have a chance to add some legitimate talent in April.
