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3 disastrous moves Cowboys must avoid at No. 26 overall in the NFL Draft

By Jerry Trotta

Sep 17, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson (5) runs for a touchdown against the UTSA Roadrunners during the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Gutierrez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson (5) runs for a touchdown against the UTSA Roadrunners during the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Gutierrez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2023 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the Dallas Cowboys have a huge decision to make with the No. 26 overall pick.

This isn’t regarded as an elite draft class by any stretch of the imagination, so Will McClay and the rest of the draft and scout team need to make sure they get this pick right, especially after they struck gold in Tulsa offensive lineman Tyler Smith with the No. 24 overall selection last year.

The importance of netting an impact player in Round 1 cannot be overstated. Throw in the fact that Dallas is on the precipice of competing for a Super Bowl, and the margin for error is paper thin.

We’re not going to pretend we can hold a candle to the Cowboys’ front office, but we think we have a solid understanding of what they shouldn’t do in the first round. With that, here are some disastrous moves they must avoid.

2023 NFL Draft: 3 moves Cowboys must avoid at No. 26 overall

(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

3. Drafting a cornerback or safety

The Cowboys can afford to take the best player available after trading for Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks. It has to be within reason, though. If the highest player on their board is a tight end or Alabama safety Brian Branch, for example, maybe take the highest receiver, defensive lineman, or edge rusher available.

Again, within reason.

CBS’ Chris Trapasso recently mocked Branch to the Cowboys. This would be a nightmare scenario for Dallas after they re-signed Donovan Wilson.

Yes, Jayron Kearse and Malik Hooker are entering the final year of their contracts, but that doesn’t mean the team should spend a first-round pick on their eventual replacements. And who’s to say neither player re-signs?

Unless Penn State corner Joey Porter Jr. endures an unforeseen slide, Dallas shouldn’t consider using the No. 26 pick on its secondary. With Gilmore, Trevon Diggs, Wilson, Kearse, Hooker, DaRon Bland, Jourdan Lewis and Israel Mukuamu in tow, the secondary is already eight players deep.

Having an eye on the future is smart roster-building, but Dallas should wait until the second round or later to add to their secondary.

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