Cowboys snag some added protection for Dak Prescott in Mel Kiper's latest mock draft

The Dallas Cowboys possess the 24th overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, and they could potentially use that selection on some added protection for quarterback Dak Prescott. In his latest mock draft for ESPN, NFL analyst Mel Kiper sees the Cowboys selecting offensive tackle Tyler Guyton from Oklahoma with their first pick.

Dallas lost a pair of longtime starters on the offensive line in free agency as tackle Tyron Smith signed with the New York Jets and center Tyler Biadasz inked with the Washingrton Commanders. So, it makes sense that the team could look to bolster the offensive line early on in the draft.

From Kiper:

"How will the Cowboys replace long-time left tackle Tyron Smith, who just signed with the Jets? Based on their lack of moves over the past 10 days, they might be thinking this pick is their best bet. And looking at my rankings, they're probably right.

"Guyton, Amarius Mims (Georgia), Jordan Morgan (Arizona) and Roger Rosengarten (Washington) could all be in play in the final 10 picks of Round 1. Of those four, only Morgan played the majority of his snaps at left tackle, but I think Guyton has the highest ceiling. He started just 14 games in college; he has outstanding physical tools to mold.'

The Cowboys have several needs to address in 2024 NFL Draft

Adding an offensive tackle in the first round makes sense for Dallas, but it's also not the team's only need. The Cowboys could also benefit from bolstering the line on the other side of the ball, as the team lost four defensive linemen -- Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler, Neville Gallimore and Johnathan Hankins -- in free agency.

Linebacker was listed as the team's top need following the conclusion of last season, and the team has done nothing to change that thus far. The Cowboys could also use some help at the running back position after losing Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans, although that doesn't necessarily seem like an area that the team will look to address in the first round.

After losing a plethora of players in free agency and doing little to replace them, the Cowboys have several glaring positions of need. It will be interesting to see what direction they ultimately decide to go in with their top pick.

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