Draft Guide: What position do the Cowboys need to upgrade?

“With the 19th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select…”

As the NFL Combine wraps up and the NFL Draft right around the corner next month, the mock draft frenzy has begun and the speculation of what player each team should draft has kicked off. But what do the Cowboys need with the 19th pick? There’s an abundance of options. Let’s dive in:

Offensive Linemen

The Cowboys have proven over the years the importance of having a stout o-line. Though the team has cornerstone pieces in Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, and Tyron Smith, the other guard and tackle positions have become a who’s who over the past year. Solidifying the left guard position between Smith and Frederick will add another bodyguard for Dak and Zeke. 

Options: Connor Williams from Texas is an OT, which would likely move La’el Collins inside. Will Hernandez out of UTEP has chance to sneak into the first round and would be able to step in to the lineup right away.

Wide Receiver

At this point, we’ve all heard the Dez rumors regarding he not wanting to take a pay cut and if he’s available for trade. So, if that’s actually the case, Dallas should look at adding another outside threat to their offense. As the self-proclaimed best receiver on the team Brice Butler is set to move on and Terrance Williams yet to fully prove his status as a WR2, drafting a wideout seems to be a viable option. 

Options: If Calvin Ridley of Alabama is on the board, Jerry should jump at the opportunity. Not as explosive and maybe more of a second-round prospect, but I’m a fan of Courtland Sutton out of SMU, who has a physical, big frame. 

Linebacker

Adding depth at linebacker should be a top priority for Dallas this offseason, whether that is in the draft or via free agency. With Kyle Wilber and Anthony Hitchens as free agents alongside the injury history of Sean Lee, adding another linebacker to the rotation is key. 

Options: I absolutely love Roquan Smith of Georgia but it’s unlikely that he’ll be available at 19. Their best bet is to select a backer on day two with the likes of Lorenzo Carter of Georgia, Malik Jefferson of Texas, or Leighton Vander Esch of Boise State most likely being available. 

Defensive Tackle/Safety

Even though the Cowboys have used multiple draft picks on bolstering defensive backs and front four in the last few years, you can never have enough talent on defense. If prospects like nose tackle Vita Vea of Washington or safety Derwin James of Florida State are on the board at 19, the Cowboys should add them to the roster. 

With the combine ending tomorrow and college pro days starting up next week, the Cowboys war room will be hard at work focusing in on dwindling down their draft board.