Cowboys Quiet NFL Free Agency: NFL Draft Plan of Jackson Powers-Johnson Replacing Tyler Biadasz?
NFL free agency is here and Dallas Cowboys have been only slightly more active than the Texas Rangers. It’s nobody’s version of ideal and makes for some growing concerns about the state of the team’s competitive window. Yet, all is not lost.
The Cowboys still have a damn good quarterback and a roster with several elite talents at important positions. Sitting on one’s hands in free agency is misguided, but it doesn’t have to spell doom for Dallas.
With a strong draft class, the Cowboys can once again compete in a not-so-crowded NFC, even if their free-agent follies ultimately hold them back.
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Of course, Dallas freezing up wouldn’t be a story if it was in line with the rest of the league. Although spending recklessly is a bad strategy, there is an appropriate amount to spend, and many of the league’s best have done so.
Likewise, some of the teams drafting ahead of the Cowboys have spent on upgrading the center position, increasing the likelihood one falls to No. 24.
The Los Angeles Rams re-signed Kevin Dotson and signed former Buffalo Detroit Lions lineman Jonah Jackson, presumably moving left guard Steve Avila to center. The Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to terms with long-time Buffalo Bills center Mitch Morse. A few hundred miles south, the Miami Dolphins signed Aaron Brewer to replace Connor Williams.
Each of those teams posed a legitimate risk to poaching Dallas’ potential target. In turn, the path forward should see a lot more of Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson at No. 24.
Powers-Johnson is the consensus best center in this year’s class and arguably the top interior lineman, depending on how one views various tackles projected to move inside.
He has the build, strength, and explosiveness for the position, though he falls a bit behind in the length department. Even so, his power is impressive and he’s technically sound, promoting optimism that he can be a suitable replacement – and likely upgrade – over Tyler Biadasz, who signed with the Washington Commanders.
With left tackle Tyron Smith likely out of the picture and right guard Zack Martin aging out of his prime, investing in the trenches is something Dallas should embrace. First-round linemen built their most recent elite offensive line, and combining Tyler Smith with Powers-Johnson would be a good start at the next one.
By no means has the Cowboys’ offseason started admirably – but that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from this cycle’s proceedings.
