NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys Targeting Offense? TE vs. RB
After a quiet start to free agency, the Dallas Cowboys have shaken up the NFL world over the past couple of weeks.
Following a 2022 campaign where they ranked No. 11 in total yards and fourth in points per game, the Cowboys have been busy repowering the offensive side of the ball.
By re-signing running back Tony Pollard, Dallas brings back a Pro Bowler who cracked over 1,000 rushing yards and nine touchdowns a season ago. Dallas also inked backup quarterback Cooper Rush to a two-year deal.
Along with that came the trading for Brandin Cooks from the Houston Texans, a wideout who has cracked the 1,000 threshold in six of his nine career seasons.
But will all these moves stop Dallas from targeting more offensive firepower over the first three rounds of the NFL Draft?
The Athletic doesn't seem to think so, with the publication predicting Dallas to target that side of the ball early on.
In its first of two draft simulators, The Athletic predicts the Cowboys to select Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid in Round 1, followed by UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet at No. 58 and finally Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown to close out Day 2.
"Picking between Charbonnet and [Texas A&M running back Devon Achane] is an interesting conversation and there is no doubt that the Aggies’ sprinter is the one with the most juice, but when Tony Pollard exits after this season (possibly), which of these two would I trust to be a “bell cow” and primary back in 2024," The Athletic said on the second-round selection.
In its second simulator, the site projects Dallas to use three selections on offense, along with addressing two positions that saw departures this offseason - selecting Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer in round one, followed by North Dakota State offensive lineman Cody Mauch and finally Tulsa running back Tyjae Spears in the third round.
"He is exactly the type of tight end McCarthy would pound the table for and I believe would — in some ways — make you think about Jason Witten. I suggest this one is enough to get the war room doing handstands," The Athletic writes.
Whether Dallas decides to focus on offense early or later should come as no surprise. Let's not forget, this was a team that drafted its franchise quarterback in Dak Prescott in the fourth round seven years ago.
And the aforementioned Witten? 2023 marks 20 years since Dallas found a steal at tight end in the third round.
The best strategy is to draft the best player. Maybe, in the end, Dallas decides lots of “best players” in its draft slots just happen to play offense.
You can find Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard
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