After another disappointing end to the NFL season with their crash-and-burn in the NFC Wild Card round to the Green Bay Packers, you can’t help but feel that it might be time for the Dallas Cowboys to hit the drawing board again.
The team has continued to fall flat on its face in the playoffs, and they created unwanted records in doing so this time.
For instance, they became the first team not to reach the Championship Game after winning at least 12 games in three consecutive seasons.
They also became the first 12-win team to lose to a #7 seed since the bracket format was expanded.
Now they are in the offseason, many will be looking at the Dallas Cowboys and wondering whether they will be able to compete.
Given the boom in sports betting and the continued expansion of new Arab casino sites recommended by experts as gambling activities continue to gain traction, many will be keeping an eye on what the NFC East franchise and “America’s Team” do in the off-season.
The 2024 NFL Draft is where it all begins
Of course, while the football season is about to conclude with Super Bowl LVIII to be played on February 11, everyone associated with Dallas will be looking ahead to the upcoming 2024 NFL draft.
Several exciting prospects are available in this year’s class across many different positions, but what are the Cowboys’ urgent needs?
Where do Jerry Jones and Mike McCarthy need to add quality and depth that can potentially help the franchise compete for Super Bowl LIX next year?
The Cowboys will have a total of five draft picks to play with, including a first-rounder at No. 24 overall, although they could have up to seven selections with two compensatory picks likely to be obtained.
This can allow them to address several needs, but what is their biggest?
A new offensive tackle is needed as a priority
When looking at many of the different mock drafts that appear at this time of year in the build-up to the real thing, many have the Dallas Cowboys acquiring a new offensive tackle.
It is not surprising, as the franchise is set to have a number of players enter free agency in the position, including Tyron Smith.
This has led to many believing that Troy Fautanu or JC Latham could be selected with the No. 24 pick, as the organization will need to fill the gap that could be left.
Both prospects are big men (both over 6’ 4” and 315+ pounds) and can move better than their frames would suggest they should.
Alternatively, it has been noted that a new cornerback could be potentially needed, with Stephon Gilmore entering free agency, too.
An inside linebacker has also been noted as a potential position to address, as the team must add size and physicality to the position.
Of course, given that the franchise was one of the best in the NFC this season — despite their playoff blowout — it does not seem too obvious where the holes are.
However, with free agency likely to be disruptive, Jones, McCarthy, & Co. will need to make sure they address any positions that are needed.