After a quiet free agency the Cowboys bolster their offensive line and defense in 2024 draft
The Dallas Cowboys didn’t make any big splashes in free agency, leading fans and media alike to question the Jerry Jones «all in» line that’s become a big running joke with the team’s lack of activity.
“All in” Doesn’t Seem to Mean What Jerry Jones Thinks it Means
Round 1
One of the biggest losses in free agency was left tackle Tyler Smith to the New York Jets, and one of the biggest tasks was getting Dak Prescott protection on the offensive line. Dallas traded back from pick 24 with the Detroit Lions to pick 29th and gain the 73rd pick in the third round. Despite a lack of draft capital coming into the draft, this move ended up securing two offensive line positions that the Cowboys desperately needed.
The Cowboys selected Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton with their first pick, and he is expected to be the replacement for Tyler Smith at left tackle. Guyton was primarily used at right tackle, so there will be an adjustment period but one that Guyton is excited to take on.
Cowboys first-round pick Tyler Guyton on moving from right tackle in college to left tackle in the NFL: “Just refining my technique, repetition, over and over, doing so much that I can’t get it wrong. It’s just switching your footwork, switching your hands, your technique and… pic.twitter.com/JoWdyf4cU3
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 26, 2024
Round 2
Dallas signed linebacker Eric Kendricks in free agency but still have work to do after losing defensive ends Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler. Demarcus Lawrence is also nearing the end of his contract so this is definitely an area the Cowboys need to bolster. The Cowboys selected Edge Marshawn Kneeland from Western Michigan with the 56h pick.
https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/1784030074993315904?s=19
Round 3
In the third round the Cowboys used their extra pick from the trade with the Lions to draft Cooper Beebe, guard from Kansas State.
https://twitter.com/The33rdTeamFB/status/1784042393890848794?s=19
This has been a favorite pick for the Cowboys in the draft because it comes as a 2-for-1 after trading back with Detroit and helps ensure protection for your quarterback who will once again be asked to do a lot this season. Beebe will likely compete for the center position after the Cowboys lost Tyler Biadasz in free agency to the Commanders.
Dallas also added to the defense this round with the 87th pick with linebacker Marist Liufau from Notre Dame.
We'll see how Cowboys LB Marist Liufau, a third-round pick, contributes on defense as a rookie. But he can be comfortably projected as a core special teamer from the jump. Trend of physicality on Day 2 for Dallas.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 27, 2024
Linebacker is a position the Cowboys want more depth with after the loss of Leighton Vander Esch, who retired this year after being cut due to a failed physical after dealing with several neck injuries and missing twelve games in 2023.
Rounds 5-7
The Cowboys had a long wait after their final third round pick, not trading up to secure any running backs as some had expected. Dallas selected cornerback Caelen Carson from Wake Forest with pick 174 in round 5.
https://twitter.com/VoiceOfTheStar/status/1784316235032797675?s=19
The signing likely means the Cowboys won’t bring back Stephon Gilmore, ensuring there’s depth behind Trevon Diggs and DaRond Bland.
Round 6 saw the Cowboys take their only skill position player with wide receiver Ryan Flournoy from Southeast Missouri State. Michael Gallup was released earlier this year, so Flournoy will look to immediately carve out a role in the offense behind Ceedee Lamb and Brandin Cooks.
Cowboys drafted former SE Missouri State WR Ryan Flournoy in sixth round at No. 216 overall. Of wide receivers, Flournoy produced the fastest GPS time during position drills at the 2024 combine. The WR who did so in 2023? Puka Nacua.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 27, 2024
In round 7 the Cowboys grabbed another offensive lineman with pick 233 in Nathan Thomas. The Cowboys seem intent on making sure the offensive line isn’t a problem this year, especially after the embarrassing loss to Green Bay in the playoffs that saw the Packers having over 100 yards in rushing alone against them.
The 16th best OT and a 5th round grade from @dpbrugler
— David Howman (@_DH44_) April 27, 2024
Nathan Thomas has ideal size and athleticism, could unlock his potential with a move to guard https://t.co/cDsI12yKUy
The final pick for Dallas came at 244 with the selection of Justin Rogers, a defensive tackle from Auburn.
The Cowboys' last pick of the draft, Justin Rogers, a defensive tackle from Auburn, has 77 tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks in four seasons between Auburn and Kentucky.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) April 27, 2024
The draft alone won’t fix everything that’s wrong with Dallas, and it doesn’t fill the void completely left from the departures of eight players in free agency. Dallas is still working on contracts for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons, and time will tell how much the inaction in free agency will come back to haunt them. The Cowboys tend to draft well, and did just that over the weekend. After all, you can’t expect everything to go well if the offensive line can’t protect the quarterback and open holes for your running game. Welcome back Zeke!
