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.

Round 2, Pick 56: Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas

Fans got their wish in 2023 as Tony Pollard became the featured back. Dallas had spent four seasons sprinkling Pollard in behind Ezekiel Elliott but didn't make him the starter until they made sure to use him just enough that it was too late. Pollard wound up crossing the 1,000 yard mark in 2022 while watching Elliott vulture all his touchdowns.

He then suffered a fractured leg in the playoffs meaning he would be working his way back to health this year. That led to a franchise tag as he made just over $10 million to struggle his way through the year. Pollard had 1,005 yards on the year but crossed the 100-yard mark just once, which was in their loss to Arizona.

Without another back on the roster capable of carrying the load, he continued to give them about three yards per touch, with an occasional burst coming here and there. With that being the case, the Cowboys have to revamp the entire backfield. That's why they use a pick in Round 2 on Jonathon Brooks from Texas.

This pick doesn't come without risk since Brooks suffered a torn ACL in November but as Dan Brugler said when he mocked Brooks to Dallas, "The Cowboys have never shied from taking risks, especially in the second round." Some have paid off while others have not but this one seems like it could be a huge win for America's Team.

Brooks was behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson for two years but broke out in 2023 with 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 6.1 yards per attempt and added 286 yards and a touchdown through the air.

In addition to his skill with the ball in his hands, Brooks knows how to pick up the blitz meaning he can be on the field for all three downs. As long as he can recover from his knee injury, and his age will help him in this regard, he could wind up being considered a steal on Day 2.

Round 3, Pick 87: Tykee Smith, S, Georgia

Dallas has two of their safeties locked up with Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker under contract for a couple more years. They typically play three safeties however and Jayron Kearse is unlikely to come back as he enters free agency. One option to replace him will be Markquese Bell, who spent much of this season playing linebacker. He will be able to slide into the "box safety" role but they need someone else who can cover.

That's where Tykee Smith comes in. Smith, who spent two years in West Virginia, blossomed during his three years with Georgia. This past season, he had 70 tackles with four picks. While his coverage is impressive, he can also be utilized in the box as evidenced by his 8.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks in 2023.

It will still be his coverage that makes him standout for Dallas and that's something they need in the worst way.

Round 3, Pick 99 (From Buffalo): Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State

Another area of concern for Dallas is in the middle of their defensive line. They were pleased with the performance of Osa Odighizuwa but Chauncey Goltston hasn't been highly effective when used next to him. That's not his fault since he's more of a defensive end but the Cowboys would be wise to get another defensive tackle who can help on all three downs.

That's why they use this selection (which they got from Buffalo in our earlier trade) to bring in Braden Fiske from Florida State. Known for his run-stuffing, Fiske is also more than capable of getting after the quarterback on passing downs.

He won't replace Mazi Smith, who they hope can still develop as a nose tackle, but he can play inside on third downs. He's also versatile enough to play on the edge, meaning there could be packages with him, Odighizuwa, and Smith on the field together.

Round 5, Pick 174 (Comp Pick): Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB, Washington

Dallas had a lack of talented linebackers on the roster which is why Markquese Bell spent the year playing the position. They hope to have DeMarvion Overshown back in 2024 and were encouraged by his play in camp and the preseason as a rookie. He will pair with Damone Clark but they can't count on Leighton Vander Esch being healthy — and he might need to retire following his latest neck injury.

That's why they add more depth with Edefuan Ulofoshio from Washington. Listed at 6-1 and 235 pounds, Ulofoshio spent six years in the NCAA and finally developed into a weapon in 2023. He recorded 94 tackles, three sacks, and a pick-six for the Huskies. He was a stud both in pass coverage as well as when asked to rush the passer making him an excellent weapon for this defense.

His age and lack of production outside of 2023 will keep him from going early but in Round 5, the upside is too good to pass up.

Round 6, Pick 212 (Comp Pick): Andrew Raym, C, Oklahoma

Tyler Biadasz could be leaving in free agency which is why the Cowboys need to be scouting their next potential center. With no one standing out earlier in the draft, they land Andrew Raym in Round 6. Raym, who is an effective pass-blocker doesn't come in as a polished product.

He had issues with snaps at times and doesn't have a ton of experience. Dallas was able to turn Biadasz into a decent starter despite his concerns at Wisconsin and perhaps they can figure it out again with this Day 3 selection. Of course, this means they'll either need to re-sign Biadasz short-term or bring in a bridge starter, but Raym could develop into a starter in time.

Round 7, Pick 245: Donte Kent, CB, Central Michigan

At 5-11 and 185 pounds, Donte Kent is slightly undersized for the cornerback position. He also played for Central Michigan, meaning he wasn't facing elite talent. Even so, he's a player to watch in this class due to his versatility and toughness.

Kent played all over the field including the slot, in deep coverage as a safety, and on the boundaries. He excelled everywhere but was especially good in run support. Dallas feels good about the corners they have, especially if they can bring back Stephon Gilmore, but Kent could be a player worth developing behind their stars.

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