Cowboys Sign Rico Dowdle, Still Target Longhorns RB Jonathan Brooks in NFL Draft?

The Dallas Cowboys may see extra attention headed to the ground game this offseason, as evidenced by Pro Football Focus' latest three-round mock draft.

The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line has quickly devolved from one of the best in the sport to a unit badly in need of remodeling. … and the running back room needs help, too.

Maybe Dallas got some of that on Monday with the free agent re-signing of Rico Dowdle.

But more bodies are needed.

Stalwart left tackle Tyron Smith is now protecting New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and center Tyler Biadasz has left for the rival Washington Commanders. Right tackle Terence Steele fell short of expectations last season and right guard Zack Martin – while great – clearly isn’t his uniquely elite self.

While the Cowboys largely sit on their hands in free agency, each signing up front increases the likelihood that they draft a lineman (or multiple) in this year’s NFL Draft.

Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton / © Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas followed this path in Pro Football Focus’ recent three-round mock draft. However, the early-round selections addressed a particular emphasis on the ground game, not just optimizing quarterback Dak Prescott’s passing offense.

With the 24th overall pick, the Cowboys took Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton.

It’s worth noting that Barton is more often described as a lineman than a specific position because of his uncertain future. While many expect him to be a high-level contributor, fewer are keen on where his contributions will come from.

“As a player who can play all five spots on the line, Barton would be an excellent choice for Dallas to build its ‘best five’ for 2024 and beyond,” Trevor Sikkema wrote.

That versatility could be a key reason why he was Dallas’ choice in this hypothetical. Whether left guard Tyler Smith moves to left tackle is yet to be seen, but there’s a chance Barton fills the position on the left side that Smith doesn’t. Barton may also be a plug-and-play replacement for Biadasz.

There are concerns over arm length that may push Barton inside, but even that isn’t enough to nail down exactly where he’ll play. Wherever he takes his snaps, fans can expect him to provide strong short-area quickness, upper-body technique, and pad level.

Barton would also help Dallas’ second-round pick – Texas running back Jonathon Brooks.

In a class that lacks a true Round 1 talent, or even a leader of the pack at the position, it’s possible running backs will fall late into Day 2. Regardless, Brooks looks the part of Tony Pollard’s replacement, perhaps down to his weaknesses.

Brooks is a big-play waiting to happen, much like the version of Pollard fans saw in 2022. However, inconsistencies in his decision making and sub-optimal contact balance may render him a similar fate if not complemented by a bruising back.

That value may be a little rich for the 56th overall pick, but at some point - even with Dowdle back, joining Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn - you need bodies at the position, something the Cowboys lack at the moment. Finding a competent back with rare explosiveness is generally a good idea, even if the cost clouds the equation.

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In the third round, 87th overall, Dallas took Texas A&M receiver Ainias Smith. Scouting in the backyard once again, Smith could push veteran receiver Brandin Cooks outside on a more permanent basis.

Smith isn’t fooling anyone as a boundary receiver, but there’s a future for him in the slot. He excels in the type of gadget plays the Cowboys generally let their depth receivers handle and may even see some true running back touches.

Like Brooks, his explosiveness is legit. He’s tough catching passes over the middle of the field and a pretty good separator when he isn’t dealing with the physicality of opposing defensive backs.

His after-the-catch skills separate him and will find him work in the league. If he puts the star on his helmet, he’d be catching passes close to and behind the line of scrimmage – essentially making him an extension of the run game.