Dallas Cowboys' expected draft plan for the first round isn't the best choice they could make according to NFL expert
NFL Draft experts are reaching a consensus on what the Dallas Cowboys' likely pick at No. 12 overall will be in next week's first round.Daniel Jeremiah, Mel Kiper Jr., Lance Zierlein and Dane Brugler have the Cowboys grabbing Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden in their latest mock drafts. Those who don't, for the most part, […]
NFL Draft experts are reaching a consensus on what the Dallas Cowboys' likely pick at No. 12 overall will be in next week's first round.
Daniel Jeremiah, Mel Kiper Jr., Lance Zierlein and Dane Brugler have the Cowboys grabbing Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden in their latest mock drafts. Those who don't, for the most part, have them taking wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan or running back Omarion Hampton as Ashton Jeanty is largely expected to be picked earlier. Any mock with a different name at this point is a surprise.
But if you ask ESPN's NFL analyst Benjamin Solak, the best-case scenario for the Cowboys in the first round would be to pass on WR and RB and instead pick the best player available, which is likely to be a player from another position based on this year's pool of talent.
In a recent article, Solak listed the best strategy each team could take on during the Draft to have optimal results.
"I want the Cowboys to take the top of the board in Round 1, then hit running back and receiver on Day 2," Solak argues. "Trading up to hit targets is acceptable, as Dallas has 10 picks, but only three in the first half of the draft. Use those extra fifths and sixths and sevenths to move up in the third and fourth. A potential starting nickel to fill the shoes left by Jourdan Lewis would be a delight, as would further depth at defensive tackle."
With two quarterbacks likely being picked before the Cowboys are on the clock, top talent at other positions could fall to Dallas' spot in the order. Cornerback and O-line could be good choices.
"Because (RB and WR) are very strong in the middle rounds this year, the Cowboys can pass at No. 12 and go for a 'best player available' approach. I could see them as a Will Johnson team if the Michigan corner falls," Solak adds. "I could see any of the top offensive line options — Will Campbell (LSU), Armand Membou (Missouri) and Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas) — fighting for the starting right guard spot (and potentially improving on one of the tackle positions)."
The big problem with taking the best available for Cowboys
Despite making a dozen additions this offseason, the Cowboys did little to improve their starting lineup and it's difficult to envision them seriously upgrading the WR room if not with the 12th overall pick.
Jalen Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy, and KaVontae Turpin is what the Cowboys have to offer behind CeeDee Lamb. It's an objectively bad wide receiver room. There's no threat to make defenses pay for doubling No. 88.
Unless the Cowboys add someone who can truly make an impact right away, it'll be a long year for Dak Prescott and the offense. In other words, can they afford passing on their most pressing need? I argue not.
With that being said, I understand where Solak is coming from. This year's Draft class is considered top-heavy and not the deepest one. Passing on better talent at No. 12 overall might be something the front office ends up regretting. I just think they don't have a choice.
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It would make plenty of sense.
