The upcoming draft holds significant importance for the Dallas Cowboys, as they grapple with the repercussions of losing key players in free agency and the underwhelming performance of last year’s draft class. With the team’s own fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-round picks traded away, the pressure is on for the Cowboys to make impactful selections in the upcoming draft, especially with their first three picks.
Mock drafts frequently highlight offensive line, running back, and linebacker as primary areas of concern for the Cowboys in the early rounds. Given the lack of top-tier prospects in the running back and linebacker positions on Day 1, most projections suggest the Cowboys will focus on selecting an offensive lineman in the first round. Day 2 presents more ambiguity, with potential selections oscillating between running back and linebacker, or vice versa.
Analyzing the Cowboys’ drafting history over the past decade reveals their proficiency in selecting impactful players, particularly in the early rounds. Notably, they have found success with interior offensive linemen, linebackers, and running backs. While Ezekiel Elliott stands as a singular data point in their running back selections, his productivity underscores the value of early-round investments. Conversely, late-round running back picks have largely failed to make an impact.
The Cowboys have also demonstrated a knack for transitioning college tackles into successful guard positions, despite recent misses in drafting primary tackles. Additionally, while linebacker selections have shown promise, injury woes have prevented players like Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith from reaching their full potential.
Considering this drafting history, a strategic approach in the upcoming draft could yield positive outcomes for the Cowboys. Targeting a versatile college tackle, a linebacker with a clean bill of health, and a top-tier running back in the first three rounds could bolster the team’s roster significantly.
In light of these considerations, which combination of players would you prefer to see the Cowboys select with their first three picks?
