AtoZ Sports Dallas staff predictions for Cowboys first pick
There have been several mock drafts depicting who the Dallas Cowboys might take. Let alone with their first overall pick. It seems to be a consensus that their biggest needs are left guard, wide receiver and edge rusher. The losses of Connor Williams, Amari Cooper, Cedrick Wilson and Randy Gregory have made these spots even […]
There have been several mock drafts depicting who the Dallas Cowboys might take. Let alone with their first overall pick.
It seems to be a consensus that their biggest needs are left guard, wide receiver and edge rusher. The losses of Connor Williams, Amari Cooper, Cedrick Wilson and Randy Gregory have made these spots even more in need.
Even though they won't be picking until pick 24 overall, their draft history suggests whoever they take will more than likely be a good player. Since 2010, all but two players have been Pro Bowl selections.
Despite the front office's lack of interest in free agency, the draft is where they really shine. And it all starts near the end of the first night of the event.
Our writers gave their opinions and analyses of who they think the Dallas Cowboys will take with the 24th overall pick. Here's who they chose.
Matthew Lenix
OG, Kenyon Green, Texas A&M
Not only does he fill a need at the position, but his versatility playing all around the offensive line is incredible! Starting at left guard, and a hopefully healthy Tyron Smith at tackle, the left side of the Dallas Cowboys offensive line could become a strength like it was in years past.
Will Steele
WR, Chris Olave, Ohio State
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The Cowboys have three 1st round prospects in for a 30 visit and I don't think that's by coincidence. Jerry loves playmakers and Olave brings that aspect to the game at a position of need.
Mauricio Rodriguez
OG, Kenyon Green, Texas A&M
I know, I know. Not the sexiest of picks. But I believe Green is more likely to be there at number 24 than some of the top wide receivers and the Cowboys would have a hard time passing on his very good pass protection skills.
Cole Patterson
OG, Zion Johnson, Boston College
I’m a big fan of wide receivers, and that’s what my heart wants. Treylon Burks or Chris Olave would certainly help the offense and be a sexier pick. However, it is evident that this team needs OL help in the worst way. Connor Williams and La’el Collins are out the door, and the Cowboys haven’t done much to upgrade the trenches.
Zion Johnson would provide the Cowboys with a versatile lineman that is brick wall in the interior. His athletic testing turned heads at the NFL Combine, and he has the potential to be a plug-and-play prospect. Plus, the Cowboys have a solid history of drafting offensive linemen early.
Alec Cash
WR, Treylon Burks, Arkansas
You know Jerry Jones loves him some Arkansas alumni so this would not be a surprise pick. Burks would be coming in to replace Amari Cooper, who the Cowboys traded to the Browns this offseason. Giving them a physical presence at receiver.
He can be a versatile option on the outside, across from Michael Gallup, as well as flex into the slot with CeeDee Lamb.
Shane Carter
OG, Zion Johnson, Boston College
Zion Johnson's run blocking ability is a welcomed sight on a Cowboys offense that struggled to run the ball in the second half of the season. Having the versatility to have started games at both left tackle and guard is great to have on a line with injury question marks around it.
Despite his 315+ pound frame, he shows great bend and flexibility is pass protection and strength at the point of attack. Most Cowboys fans are probably vying for Green from Texas A&M, but Johnson might be the better anchor this team needs between Smith and Biadasz.
Evan Winter
OG, Zion Johnson, Boston College
The Cowboys appear to be happy with the combination of Terrence Steele and Tyron Smith at right and left tackle, respectively, but there are questions on the interior offensive line.
Zack Martin is not one of those questions, obviously. Conner McGovern has been a backup over the course of his career and is in the last year of his deal. Tyler Biadasz showed promise, but still has a lot to prove.
Johnson would come in and immediately bolster the interior and his presence would go a long way in helping Biadasz develop. Offensive linemen are often affected by those around them, therefore, sandwiching Biadasz between a talented player like Johnson and All-Pro like Martin sounds like a great idea.
And of course, Dak Prescott needs to get hit as little as possible. Johnson helps in that regard, as well.
Zach Ragan
OG, Kenyon Green, Texas A&M
The Cowboys could use a wide receiver and that could be the pick, but I think it’s more likely that they address the offensive line in the first round. Green is a versatile offensive lineman that would provide immediate depth for Dallas.
