Cowboys fans hoped the team’s focus this week would be on preparations for the NFC championship game.
Instead, the team’s attention has turned towards the offseason as they continue to build for the future.
Four teams remain in contention for the Super Bowl, so the other 28 teams are already looking ahead to the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Cowboys have needs at multiple positions, including linebacker, offensive tackle, interior defensive line, and wide receiver.
For now, we focus upfront on where a big-name player is set to hit the open market.
Future Hall of Fame left tackle Tyron Smith played the final year of an eight-year extension he signed back in 2014.
It’s unclear whether Dallas will look to retain the five-time all-pro.
Dallas could look into the idea of moving Tyler Smith over, considering how well he played at left tackle as a rookie.
However, the second-year pro out of Tulsa was recently named second-team all-pro at guard. Maybe it’s best to leave what is not broken.
This has led ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Mel Kiper Jr. to mock an offensive tackle at 24 for the Cowboys.
New 2024 mock draft is here. My first stab at predicting the top 32 picks. https://t.co/bMrNhPhRC6
— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) January 23, 2024
Jordan Morgan
In his latest mock draft (subscription required), Kiper has the Cowboys selecting Arizona offensive tackle Jordan Morgan at 24. Morgan, a 6 ft 5, 325-pound tackle, opted to return to school for his senior year in 2023.
In 2022, Morgan started 10 games at left tackle and was named First Team All-Pac 12 by associated press.
He finished his collegiate career earning First Team All-Pac 12 honors and was named to the watch lists of the Outland and Wuerffel trophies.
In his mock draft analysis, Kiper mentions the age of Tyron Smith (33), and with his contract expired, the Cowboys should look to the future.
“Morgan is one of my favorite pass-protectors in this class,” Kiper said. “I love the way he moves his feet and handles twists and stunts. He started 35 games at left tackle in college, which would make him a perfect fit to replace Tyron Smith.”
Mel Kiper
Of course, there would be a lot to debate and discuss surrounding this pick.
Should the Cowboys go in this direction, whether it’s Morgan or another tackle on the board they feel confident about?
The team could flirt with the idea of bringing Smith back on a one-year deal and allowing a young tackle to develop behind the eight-time pro bowler.
Adonai Mitchell
The selection of Morgan means the Cowboys pass over other intriguing prospects like Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, who Kiper has at 28, to the Bills.
At 6-4 and 196 pounds, Mitchell totaled 55 receptions, 845 yards, and scored 11 touchdowns, helping lead Texas to the college football playoffs.
With his size, quickness, and separation, Mitchell could help Dallas’ offense find more success in the red zone.
Kingsley Suamataia
Another prospect worth mentioning at tackle would be BYU’s Kingsley Suamataia, going one pick after Dallas at 25 to Green Bay.
At 6-6 and 325 pounds, Suamataia allowed just three sacks last season.
However, what stands out the most is his versatility, having started 23 games the last two seasons, 12 at right tackle and 11 at left tackle.
Let’s say Smith is retained. His injury history is always a concern, as is right tackle Terence Steele, who tore his ACL back in 2022 and missed an additional four games in 2023.
A versatile and highly touted young tackle would be a major addition to the offensive line.
We can never underestimate the Cowboys’ front office when drafting offensive line help.
However, if Tyron Smith returns, it may be more useful to use the pick on a player the team believes can impact immediately, especially considering the organization believes the window is still open.
