Cowboys put recent draft pick on hot seat in post-combine 7-round mock draft

Every year when the NFL Draft approaches, fans start clamoring for the splashy pick — and that often centers around the players who lit up the 40-yard dash. That would include players such as Xaviver Worthy, who set a new record with a time of 4.21. However, the Dallas Cowboys need to go into this one with a different approach.

While it's fun to envision them adding a home run hitter, they need to focus on fixing the trenches. The Cowboys have two starters on the offensive line set for free agency and need to shore up the interior of their defensive line.

This post-combine 7-round mock draft will give the Cowboys a good idea of which stars they can add to make their title push in 2024 a bit easier.

Round 1, Pick 24: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

There's been a bit of an uproar in Cowboys nation after news broke that the front office isn't expected to re-sign Tyron Smith, who is set for free agency. As upsetting as it is to see a fan-favorite leave, especially one that has been there since 2011, this is absolutely the right call.

Smith has been unable to play a full campaign since 2015 and as long as he's under contract, they weren't going to replace him. Now that he's about to leave, the Cowboys have to add another left tackle which leads to the selection of Troy Fautanu from Washington.

Fautanu, 6-foot-4 and 317 pounds, has the size to play tackle but his arm length will lead to questions. He should be given a shot to stay at his natural position, especially after he looked so effortlessly smooth in every drill at the combine.

Worst case scenario, he kicks inside to left guard and Tyler Smith goes to his original position. Either way, the left side of the line will be elite and hopefully, much healthier.