Cowboys make absurd mock draft choice that could backfire badly

It’s fair to say the Dallas Cowboys didn’t bust the budget this offseason, just as Jerry Jones promised. The problem? They still have glaring weaknesses coming out of free agency. Cowboys fans aren’t surprised, but there’s no doubt they have to hit on their first-round picks.

Recently, media members have done a complete 180 and are now in favor of Dallas drafting an offensive player in the first round. Sure, there are plenty of enticing prospects, but the team’s dire defensive needs should outweigh any temptation to upgrade the offense.

A recent mock from Pro Football & Sports Network had the Cowboys selecting Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor at No. 20 overall.

The Dallas Cowboys drafting offensive line in the first round would be disastrous

The worst part is the absurdity of targeting offense when the Cowboys clearly need defensive help after allowing a franchise-record number of points last season. The collective fan outrage if an offensive player is the pick will be deafening.

Speaking to reporters at the NFL annual league meeting, Brian Schottenheimer did not rule out going offense in Round 1 (h/t Jon Machota, The Athletic).

“If the best player on the board is clearly an offensive player, then we’ll certainly discuss that. And more than likely, knowing Jerry Jones, pull the trigger.”

Schottenheimer probably has to say that. Even if he's merely laying a smokescreen, it would be a silly strategy to reveal that the Cowboys are only targeting defense. As long as it actually manifests on April 23, fans won't have anything to complain about.

At 6-foot-7 and 366 pounds, Proctor is freakishly strong. He could move to guard if he's not fast enough to play tackle, but he could be a long-term replacement for Terence Steele.

However, with Steele locked in for 2026 after his contract was restructured, Dallas wouldn't have anywhere to put Protcor, making it a wasteful pick, especially with Miami edge Akheem Mesidor, Missouri edge Zion Young, and Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell all on the board.

The Cowboys took Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman No. 12 overall in PFSN's mock. That idea has picked up steam after Thieneman lit up the NFL Combine. It might be a reach, but the draft is all about picking good football players, and Thieneman is one of the best defenders in the class.

Linebackers, edge rushers, and defensive backs should be the first thing on Dallas' mind in the first round. Anything else would be malpractice by the front office.