5 local prospects Cowboys may select in 2024 NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is this week and the Dallas Cowboys will unfortunately be drafting for need after their dormant free agency. It's not the worse-case scenario by any means, but the sheer needs on the roster make it almost impossible for them to justify taking the best player available.

Despite the obvious ties to the University of Texas and other prominent local schools, the Cowboys surprisingly haven't drafted many local prospects over the years. They took former Longhorns linebacker DeMarvion Overshown in the third round last year. Before that, you have to go all the way back to Donovan Wilson in 2019 (Texas A&M) as the last Texas-based player that Dallas drafted.

That could change this year, however. Not only do the Longhorns have several players that are projected to be drafted this weekend, but the state of Texas as a whole should be well-represented in this year's draft.

5 local prospects the Cowboys may select in the 2024 NFL Draft

5. CB Josh Newton

The Cowboys re-signed Jourdan Lewis but with Stephon Gilmore likely not returning they might address the cornerback position on day three.

While Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland are under contract for the foreseeable future, Lewis and Nahshon Wright, who didn't play much at all last season, are free agents in 2025. Furthermore, 2023 sixth-round pick Eric Scott Jr. was a healthy scratch for every game as a rookie.

TCU product Josh Newton would be a smart target. Draft expert Dane Brugler of The Athletic projected Newton to the Giants in the fifth round (No. 155 overall) in his new seven-round mock. The Cowboys don't pick until 174 overall in round five, but Newton should fall within their range.

A former wide receiver, Newton has excellent ball skills and he's able to play inside and out. He struggles against true vertical threats, but he's active and willing to get downhill to support the run defense. Those are traits that new DC Mike Zimmer covets in his cornerbacks.