NFL Draft Q&A: Dallas Cowboys intel, wants and extra

The 2024 NFL Draft, which is hosted in Detroit, begins on April 25. The Dallas Cowboys goal to make up for a disappointing free company interval by bringing in a powerful draft class, with no choice holding extra significance than their No. 24 general decide. 

In preparation for the three-day occasion, we’re answering a few of the greatest draft associated questions pertaining to the Cowboys. 

What venue will the draft be held at, and who will televise the occasion?

The 2024 NFL Draft will probably be held in downtown Detroit, surrounding Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. ABC, ESPN and NFL Community will televise the draft, which will be streamed on platforms corresponding to NFL+, Hulu + Dwell TV and Fubo. 

Six-time Tremendous Bowl-winning head coach Invoice Belichick can even co-host “The Pat McAfee Present Draft Spectacular” throughout Thursday’s first spherical, accessible to observe on ESPN+ and YouTube. 

The primary spherical of the 2024 NFL Draft begins on April 25 at 8 p.m. ET, whereas rounds two and three begin on April 26 at 7 p.m. ET. The fourth by seventh rounds will happen on April 27 starting at midday ET. 

How has the Cowboys’ offseason unfolded up to now? 

Following yet one more season that ended with a heartbreaking playoff loss, Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones vowed to go “all in” this offseason, however did not make good on that promise. As a substitute, Dallas notably noticed LT Tyron Smith, RB Tony Pollard and DC Dan Quinn head elsewhere this offseason whereas LB Leighton Vander Esch retired. The Cowboys did not make any splash strikes to compensate for the losses, with their most outstanding acquisition being Eric Kendricks, a linebacker who has expertise enjoying in new DC Mike Zimmer’s scheme. 

What number of picks do the Cowboys have? 

On account of earlier trades and receiving two compensatory picks, the Cowboys personal seven alternatives within the 2024 NFL Draft. Here’s a full checklist of Dallas’ draft picks. 

Spherical 1: No. 24 general
Spherical 2: No. 56
Spherical 3: No. 87
Spherical 5: No. 174
Spherical 6: No. 216
Spherical 7: Nos. 233 and 244

What are the Cowboys’ greatest positional wants coming into the draft?  Offensive line, operating again, linebacker and defensive deal with. 

As talked about, the Cowboys misplaced Smith, Pollard and Vander Esch earlier this offseason, creating the necessity to substitute every of them throughout the draft. Nevertheless, they have to additionally discover a new beginning heart after Tyler Biadasz adopted Quinn to Washington. Moreover, though Dallas spent a 2023 first-round decide on DT Mazi Smith, it is likely to be clever to draft his alternative if the worth is correct, contemplating he made simply 13 tackles in 17 video games as a rookie. 

Who might the Cowboys goal within the first spherical? Oregon heart Jackson Powers-Johnson: Among the many 5 projected first-rounders who reportedly took top-30 visits with Dallas, 4 have been offensive linemen, together with Powers-Johnson, the most definitely of the group to be accessible at decide 24. Even so, Powers-Johnson would hardly be a comfort prize, regardless of 2023 being his first season as a full-time starter. Powers-Johnson surrendered only one strain and no sacks throughout his 13 video games final season en path to successful the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation’s prime heart. 

Illinois DT Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton: If the Cowboys miss out on a prime offensive lineman, Newton can be an intriguing and probably worthwhile choice, assuming he is accessible once they’re on the clock. No inside defensive lineman within the FBS generated extra pressures over the past two seasons than Newton (103), the 2023 Massive Ten Defensive Participant of the Yr. Along with being a dominant pass-rusher, Newton is an efficient run-stopper, as his 25 run stops final season ranked eighth nationally amongst inside defenders, in response to Professional Soccer Focus. 

Which prospects may very well be in play for the Cowboys later within the draft? 

Michigan LB Junior Colson: A two-time second-team All-Massive Ten choice, the 6-foot-2, 238-pounder has the body and IQ to develop right into a productive NFL linebacker. Final season, Colson racked up a team-leading 95 tackles for the nationwide champion Wolverines, to go together with two tackles for loss and two move breakups. Dallas has proven curiosity in Colson, internet hosting him and a number of other different linebacker prospects projected to be chosen within the second spherical, probably hinting at its plans for decide 56. 

Texas RB Jonathon Brooks: Regardless of his restricted expertise, Brooks is arguably probably the most gifted operating again on this yr’s draft. Brooks sat behind present NFL RBs Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson for 2 seasons earlier than turning into Texas’ starter in 2023. Throughout 11 video games earlier than tearing his ACL, Brooks totaled 1,425 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. It is price mentioning that the Cowboys’ workforce physician is Dan Cooper, who was the surgeon for Brooks’ ACL surgical procedure, giving them a greater understanding of the previous Longhorn’s damage and rehab course of.