3 biggest needs the Cowboys have left unattended nearly a month before training camp
The Dallas Cowboys remain one of the best teams in the NFC after stringing together three consecutive 12-win seasons. And yet, fans have all the right in the world to question if they've done enough to ready themselves for the 2024 NFL season. After all, this franchise has fallen short in the playoffs each of those […]
The Dallas Cowboys remain one of the best teams in the NFC after stringing together three consecutive 12-win seasons. And yet, fans have all the right in the world to question if they've done enough to ready themselves for the 2024 NFL season.
After all, this franchise has fallen short in the playoffs each of those three years, including last January's loss to the seven-seed Green Bay Packers.
So what needs did the Cowboys have leave unattended as we approach 2024 training camp? Let's dive in and hope the Cowboys still find a way to upgrade at each of these spots.
1. Defensive tackle
This remains the biggest roster hole on the Cowboys as they're missing size behind Osa Odighizuwa when it comes to three-techniques as none of their depth options weighs over 290 pounds per the team's roster.
They also lack an insurance policy at nose tackle as the team is pushing all of its chips on Mazi Smith with a lack of a proven backup nose tackle behind him. Career backup Carl Davis and rookies Justin Rogers (seventh-round draft pick) and Denzel Daxon (UDFA/international player) are the only other true noses on the team. The Cowboys should seriously prioritize fixing this need and trade for a defensive tackle.
2. An 'upside' running back
The Cowboys' running back room doesn't quite look inspiring. As long as the running game scheme and the blocking up front improve – which could realistically happen even with Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz being gone – the running backs might be better than many expect.
However, it's true the Cowboys could use with somebody else to lean on. Ezekiel Elliott is a good addition for the rotation but he's undeniably not as explosive as he once was and the numbers back it up. Meanwhile, Rico Dowdle, who I'd profile as RB1 of the team's committee, has dealt with many different injuries in a short career and his durability is in question.
What the Cowboys need is a running back that they can lean on while providing a spark to the offense.
3. No. 4 cornerback
One of the best aspects of the Cowboys' defensive starting lineup is the fact that they've got a couple of All-Pro cornerbacks roaming the boundary in Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland. Jourdan Lewis at nickel has proven to be worthy of starting for many years.
But the Cowboys don't have a clear-cut No. 4 cornerback ahead of the 2024 season. They've got some young options like fifth-round rookie Caelen Carson and second-year CB Eric Scott Jr. Additionally, the team added UFL CB Gareon Conley and he might have a shot at the 53-man roster.
