The key behind the Cowboys dominating the 2024 NFL draft

After not acquiring talent via free agency and losing notable players, the Dallas Cowboys clearly intend on replenishing the roster through the NFL Draft. The Cowboys' "all-in" mission was a farce but a productive draft could change all of that.

Luckily, this 2024 class is widely-talented. The only problem is the Cowboys only have seven picks this year and four of them are between round 5-7. The front office might have to get involved in trade talks. Draft day trades make selection day more exciting and in Dallas' case, they might be a necessity after Jerry Jones pinched his pennies during free agency.

The Cowboys must trade down to dominate the 2024 NFL Draft

In the first round, the Cowboys own the No. 24 selection. With many holes throughout the roster -- even if preferred targets are there -- the choice might be too hard to make. Trading down could give Dallas a good start to draft weekend. With that in mind, here are three factors that could determine whether the team trades out of its first-round pick.

1. Making a choice at No.24 could be too hard

The Cowboys have needs all over the roster, including offensive line and linebacker. They also have serious depth questions at multiple positions such as running back, wide receiver, defensive tackle and edge rusher.

Prospects like Jackson Powers-Johnson, Amarius Mims, Jared Verse, Graham Barton and others are likely available in the mid-20s. If multiple of them are still there at pick No.24, the choice could be too close to call. Another franchise might have to trade up and get Dallas out of the No.24 spot.

The Cowboys could stay in the first round altogether, simply moving back in any form to make their draft choice would be a great move. Their wishlist could be narrowed down further, making the pick a little easier to make.

There is a lot of pressure on the team to make the right call in the first round. Many are still shaken up by the team's lack of urgency in free agency, so all eyes will be on whom it drafts. Every pick will be scrutinized under a microscope.

2. There are pick-needy and desperate teams everywhere

There are three teams without a pick in the first round. The Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns and the Carolina Panthers are all not included in the day one festivities. Each team has one thing in common: they are trying to either create or improve their identity.

Houston showed flashes in 2023 to be great. That was intensified after their recent acquisition of Stefon Diggs. Houston, without a pick on day one could be trying to move up, to possibly add more protection for CJ Stroud.

Cleveland and Carolina are both trying to create an identity. Cleveland seemingly can never get over the hump and instead are still getting hounded for the Deshaun Watson trade. Whereas Carolina is still trying to see if Bryce Young is their future.

The three organizations could be in talks with a team like Dallas to get in the first round, loaded with talent. If Dallas could receive an early second round pick (Carolina has No.33 and No39, Houston has No,42 and Cleveland has No.54) as well as multiple later choices, this could work.

3. Most of their most-wanted prospects are not projected 1st-round guys

Recently, Dallas released the list of 30 prospects who met with the coaching staff. Some of the names that stand out are Trey Benson, Jonathon Brooks, Junior Carlson, Edgerrin Cooper, Darius Robinson, among others.

Almost everyone that met with McCarthy recently, are not expected to be selected on night-one to begin with. Seemingly, getting an extra pick or two on the second day of the draft would be the more ideal situation for the team to be in.

That is where the Dallas Cowboys are. Trying to improve the landscape of their roster during the NFL Draft. All in all, this year's draft season only adds more pressure on a Dallas team that already has far too many spotlights shined on them.

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