Cowboys' five biggest roster weaknesses after a painfully slow start to NFL free agency
Recently, we published an updated Dallas Cowboys roster following the first week of NFL free agency and while putting it together, I couldn't help but feel like there are much more weak spots than many might imagine. After all, the Cowboys have won 12 games in each of the last three seasons and are considered […]
Recently, we published an updated Dallas Cowboys roster following the first week of NFL free agency and while putting it together, I couldn't help but feel like there are much more weak spots than many might imagine.
After all, the Cowboys have won 12 games in each of the last three seasons and are considered a contender going into the 2024 season.
However, it's the truth: The Cowboys are taking a step back in several key positions. But let's get specific: Below are the five positions I believe should be a serious concern for Dallas.
Offensive line
The reality is that right now, we don't know what three of the five offensive line spots are gonna look like. Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz left in free agency and Tyler Smith's role remains unclear as he could be forced to switch back to tackle, leading to yet another position change for the kid who just earned second-team All-Pro honors.
While the Cowboys could focus on picking a first-round offensive lineman, the unit is trending toward taking a significant step backward compared to last year.
Defensive tackle
The Cowboys are fine at three-technique with Osa Odighizuwa but the lack of depth and the lack of certainty at nose tackle is really concerning. Johnathan Hankins signed with the Seattle Seahawks and now the team needs Mazi Smith to step up in a major way.
Not only will they ask him to take that second-year jump that is so crucial in the NFL but he'll have to regain weight and re-adapt to playing a different brand of football compared to what he did last year.
Linebacker
The only outside free agency signing the Cowboys made in the first week was Eric Kendricks and he's a quality addition. However, the defense remains worryingly thin at the position.
Damone Clark is projected to start alongside Kendricks in 2024 but expect the Cowboys to add somebody else in the Draft. DeMarvion Overshown's health will be crucial as to how we perceive the depth of this unit by the time training camp comes around.
Running back
The Cowboys would start Rico Dowdle if a game was to be played today and while it's clear Mike McCarthy likes him, the committee needs much more upside.
The Cowboys could be looking at a running back in Day 2 of the NFL Draft where they could be in the range of landing someone worthy of fighting for the RB1 spot but as of right now, it's not precisely a strength.
EDGE
The Cowboys have one of the best starting duos at EDGE in the NFL thanks to Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. But they have over 700 defensive snaps to replace after losing Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong.
Sam Williams and Viliami Fehoko Jr. are not enough depth at such a critical position and it'll be important for the front office to address the need.
