The Dallas Cowboys made significant strides in the 2024 NFL Draft, focusing heavily on both the offensive and defensive lines. They initiated their strategy by selecting Tyler Guyton after trading back with the Detroit Lions, which also brought them Cooper Beebe, an offensive center. In addition, they bolstered their defense by picking Marshawn Kneeland in the second round, and later addressing depth with seventh-round selections of Nathan Thomas at #233 for offensive tackle and Justin Rogers at #244 for a run-stuffing defensive tackle. These choices reflect a keen focus on enhancing their frontlines to increase overall team performance.

The Cowboys approached the draft with a strategy that prioritized talent over immediate positional needs, a decision echoed by many teams this year. They evaluated top-tier prospects from elite college football programs, particularly those participating in the college football playoffs, such as Alabama, Texas, Michigan, Washington, and Florida State. This approach allowed them to hone in on high-potential players, with all but three selections originating from Power 5 conferences. Notably, the selections of Marshawn Kneeland from Western Michigan and Ryan Flournoy from Southeast Missouri State showcase their commitment to bringing in game-changers who could contribute immediately.

Flournoy is a standout choice, representing the Cowboys’ only investment in offensive skill positions during this draft. This decision was particularly striking given that they opted not to select any running backs, especially after Jonathon Brooks from Texas was picked by the Carolina Panthers at the 46th overall spot. Brooks was among seven running backs or wide receivers chosen within a rapid 21-pick span between the end of the first round and the start of the second. The Cowboys maintained their focus on fortifying their offensive line, concluding day two of the draft with selections such as Kneeland and Cooper Beebe, who are expected to play pivotal roles in the Cowboys’ offensive strategy.

Strategic Moves Indicate a Bold Future

Following the draft, the Cowboys quickly executed their contingency plan by re-signing Ezekiel Elliott. This marked Elliott’s return to Dallas after a challenging season with the New England Patriots, where he struggled to make impactful plays in an offense lacking in overall talent. The Cowboys’ management appears confident in their current roster under the coaching of Mike McCarthy, particularly in the wide receiver department, which has undergone considerable changes since the transition from Kellen Moore to McCarthy as the offensive play-caller. The decision to forgo selecting a wide receiver until the sixth round and to entirely skip over running backs reflects a strategic pivot, emphasizing a strong foundation in the offensive line. This strategy should enable a powerful running game featuring Elliott alongside Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman, and Deuce Vaughn, complemented by the dynamic duo of CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks at wide receiver.

On the defensive side, the Cowboys made crucial additions to enhance their front seven, addressing size and strength deficiencies that were evident last season under Dan Quinn. Kneeland will join a defensive line rotation that includes breakout star Osa Odighizuwa and others like Mazi Smith, Chauncey Golston, Junior Fehoko, and Justin Rogers, all of whom will play key roles alongside stars Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. Additionally, Sam Williams is expected to contribute significantly. The Cowboys’ extensive focus on linebackers in the pre-draft process culminated in selecting their lone linebacker, Marist Liufau, in the third round, which should strengthen their defensive core.

During his visit to the Cowboys, Zimmer was particularly impressed by Liufau’s understanding of defensive responsibilities, a crucial quality as the team transitions to a new defensive scheme. However, the Cowboys did not stop with just Liufau. They also re-signed former player Damien Wilson to bolster their linebacker depth. Wilson, who was drafted by the Cowboys in 2015, spent four seasons with the team before moving on to play for the Chiefs, Jaguars, and Panthers. In Carolina, Wilson was primarily a special teams player, but his versatility adds depth at both linebacker and special teams now that he is back in Dallas for his ninth season.

The Cowboys also began free agency by signing Eric Kendricks, bringing in a veteran presence to work alongside Zimmer, ideally providing enough support alongside Wilson, Liufau, Damone Clark, and DeMarvion Overshown, who is returning from injury, to keep Kendricks in a rotational role.

Overall, the Cowboys have successfully navigated the draft process, adding new faces to fill key depth positions. While it’s important to manage expectations for their 2024 draft class, recalling the missteps from last year, the team is keenly aware of the need for impactful contributions from their top-100 picks. Players like Guyton, Kneeland, Beebe, and Liufau all have clear paths to significant playing time, and their performance will be closely monitored as the season unfolds.