Why the 2022 NFL Draft sets up well for the Dallas Cowboys

There is a real possibility that the Dallas Cowboys move on from both Amari Cooper and DeMarcus Lawrence this offseason. Despite the two being among the best players on the team, both Cooper and Lawrence are candidates to be cap casualties. Cowboys insider Bobby Belt reported earlier this month that the two are "likely to […]

Add as preferred source on Google
Dallas Cowboys
Sep 19, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) and wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) talk before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

There is a real possibility that the Dallas Cowboys move on from both Amari Cooper and DeMarcus Lawrence this offseason. Despite the two being among the best players on the team, both Cooper and Lawrence are candidates to be cap casualties.

Cowboys insider Bobby Belt reported earlier this month that the two are "likely to be gone" this offseason. Belt cited the Cowboys wanting to get under the salary cap as what the motive would be for Dallas.

If that is the case, the Dallas Cowboys would obviously need to address wide receiver and defensive end. That is especially true when considering that Michael Gallup and Randy Gregory are looking for new deals.

Fortunately, it appears that the 2022 NFL Draft class is loaded with talent at both of those positions. NFL Draft guru Dane Brugler recently released his top-100, which consisted of several players that play at those two spots.

Wide receiver and EDGE make up 31 of Brugler's top-100 players. That means that if the Dallas Cowboys do decide to part ways with their Pro Bowl talents in Cooper and Lawrence, they could potentially find quality replacements through the draft.

Additionally, there is a ton of strong offensive line talent in this year's class. That is another area of need that Dallas will likely look to upgrade.

DRAFT SETS UP WELL

Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) celebrates with cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) after Diggs intercepts a touchdown pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants fall to the Cowboys, 21-6, on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, in East Rutherford.Nyg Vs Dal

This is undoubtedly a risky proposition; however, we have seen this front office lean on the money-saving side too often to dismiss it.

Finding cheap talent to replace expensive veterans is a smart move on paper. Therefore, expect Stephen Jones and the rest of the front office to be weighing this exact scenario in the upcoming weeks.

The wide receiver position is loaded with first- and second-round talent. Garrett Wilson of Ohio State, Treylon Burks of Arkansas, and Drake London of USC are a few of the headliners expected to go within the first 32 selections.

EDGE has multiple prospects garnering top-5 hype, but the position is also deep, too. Jermaine Johnson from Florida State, George Karlaftis out of Purdue, and Logan Hall of Houston are a some names to know.

Dallas would be much better off by keeping two of their best players on the roster. It makes little sense to cut two strong talents and get worse on purpose. The Cowboys can still get under the cap by re-structuring a few contracts instead of parting ways with Cooper and Lawrence.

However, the draft looks like it will set up well for the Cowboys if Dallas does go in that direction.

Featured image via Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports