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.
4. OL Brandon Coleman
A three-year starter at TCU, Coleman didn't allow any sacks in 2023 even though he played hurt. His spatial awareness and versatility make him a potential third round target for the Cowboys. It wouldn't come as a shock if Coleman went off the board as high as round two.
Coleman played extensively at left tackle and left guard in college, but he also got snaps at right guard and right tackle. He's likely being scouted as a guard, which is a sneaky need for Dallas given Zack Martin is entering the final year of his contract, but his experience at both tackle positions and athleticism should allow him to make an emergency start at OT if need be.
3. DT D'Vondre Sweat
Initially regarded as a second-round pick, there's now a slim chance that Sweat is drafted before day three thanks to conditioning and off-field questions. The former Longhorn weighed in at 393 pounds after the College Football Playoff and was recently arrested for driving while intoxicated.
Sweat's stock has plummeted but he makes for an interesting dart throw on day three. That could work in the Cowboys' favor as they don't have the luxury of taking a nose tackle early given how many holes are on the roster. If they shore up the offensive line and RB position early, Sweat could fall right into their lap.
2. LB Edgerrin Cooper
Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper would be a great pick in the second round. Cooper's athletic profile is exactly what the Cowboys need to improve their run defense. He plays with aggression that you can't teach and gets downhill in a hurry thanks to his 4.51 speed.
Per PFF, Cooper finished with the third-highest run stop percentage in the nation last season amongst linebackers. For his college career, he accumulated a 11.4% run-stop rate and 33 tackles that registered a loss or no gain.
Cooper wouldn't fix Dallas' search for a middle linebacker, but he projects as an impactful off-ball linebacker for the next decade. He'd make for an exciting pairing with 2023 third-round pick DeMarvion Overshown.
1. RB Jonathon Brooks
It feels like a formality that the Cowboys will draft Texas RB Jonathon Brooks in the second round if he's available. Many draft experts believe Brooks will be the first running back off the board, but there's a strong possibility he's available when Dallas picks at No. 56 overall.
Brooks is considered the best RB prospect in this draft. The only ding on him is his injury timeline after he tore his ACL on Dec. 1, but he's expected to be cleared for training camp and is already running post-surgery.
The former Longhorn has been heavily mocked to the Cowboys in round two and his ties to the organization make it almost a foregone conclusion that the Hallettsville, TX native will play the next chapter of his football career in his home state.