In a normal offseason fans around the NFL would have a better understanding of which players their favorite team may be targeting in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft. But, this is nothing like a normal offseason. Due to the pandemic there is a lack of information out there about who the Dallas Cowboys or any other team may or may not be interested in.
Lack of information is a bit frustrating for those of us who absolutely love all of the aspects of the entire draft process. There’s no need to cry over spilt milk though. We have to endure and gather what information we can in the hopes of understanding what the Dallas Cowboys draft strategy might be.
With that in mind I thought I’d share with you a handful of my pre-draft thoughts. I thought it would be a good way to pass the time and maybe provide something to keep in mind when they Dallas Cowboys are on the clock at any point on Draft Day.
Let’s get started…
One: Wide receiver or tight end… I wonder if the Dallas Cowboys will consider drafting one of the two positions with one of their four draft picks in the Top 100? I know the majority of Cowboys Nation would be against the idea considering the need to upgrade the defense, but I’m not so sure it should be completely ruled out. The Cowboys look all but set at both positions for the 2021 season, but only Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Blake Jarwin are under contract beyond this year. It might not seem like an immediate need right now, but smart teams draft with the future in mind.
Two: Since were already kind of on the topic of receivers, I wonder what the Dallas Cowboys plans are regarding Michael Gallup. Entering a contract year it will be interesting to see whether or not he’s dangled as a possible trade candidate at some point on Draft Day. If he is he could completely blow up the draft. If a Super Bowl contender believes he is the missing piece he could possibly net the Cowboys as high as a late 1st-round pick or at the very least a good 2nd-rounder. That’s much better than the compensatory pick they’ll likely receive if they let him walk next year.
Three: I don’t think it’s been discussed enough, but I wonder how the Dallas Cowboys view both Greg Newsome and Caleb Farley? As potential trade down targets they both carry the “red flag” injury label. Newsome has never played an entire season at Northwestern due to injuries and Farley has back issues that could be a reoccurring problem. Investing a 1st-round pick on players with an injury history might not be the wisest way to use their draft capital. It wouldn’t surprise me if they have a set spot they feel comfortable taking them or if they’re off the board altogether.
Four: Another area that’s probably not been discussed enough is the Dallas Cowboys defensive end depth. They are an injury away from starting Dorance Armstrong, Tarell Basham, or Bradlee Anae in 2021. DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory should be a good starting duo at DE, but how much faith do you have they can stay healthy for an entire season? Because of all of that don’t be surprised if we see the Cowboys target the position early with one of their four picks in the Top 100. It’s definitely an under the radar need heading into the draft.
Five: I wonder if the Dallas Cowboys might have some informal agreements in place with a few free agents they plan on signing after the draft. After May 3 the Cowboys can sign anybody without it affecting the compensatory pick formula. We all know how much they seem to factor that into the equation every offseason. I wonder if players like Richard Sherman, Gerald McCoy, or KJ Wright are waiting in the wings. If they are it could factor in to Dallas’ draft strategy. That could be something to keep an eye on when the 2021 NFL Draft finally gets underway Thursday, April 29.
