Cowboys rebound following controversial trade in 7-round mock draft

A first-round exit is not what the Dallas Cowboys envisioned following a 12-5 campaign that saw them soar to the No. 2 seed late in the year. They were able to get a home-field game against the Green Bay Packers but an inexperienced bunch ran all over their apparently 'over-excited' defense.

Perhaps they can learn to settle down but the real issue will come down to filling some holes. As good as the Cowboys were in 2023, they had problems on both the offensive and defensive line. They also struggled at safety as well as running back — all issues that came back to haunt them.

With so many holes, they start this 2024 mock draft by making an unpopular decision — trading down. Using the PFF mock draft simulator, we move from pick 24 down five spots in a trade with Buffalo. That results in Dallas landing the 99th overall pick which will make up for them not having a fourth-round selection.

Now on the clock near the end of the first, the Cowboys get to work and start by trying to address one major area of concern.

Round 1, Pick 29: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

Dallas has some talented offensive linemen but they also have some serious concerns. As good as Tyron Smith is when he's healthy, he's hardly healthy. The Cowboys might try and bring him back once again but the smart play would be to add someone who can take over full-time and save some money by letting Smith head elsewhere.

Enter Jordan Morgan from Arizona. Standing 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, Morgan is a well-rounded lineman but excels in pass protection. He spent his entire career on the left side and could be a day one starter. It would be hard to say goodbye to Smith but Morgan could potentially solve the durability concerns on that side. Now, they just have to figure out how to get Terence Steele to play more like the guy we saw in 2022 and they should be solid.