Bigger issue during NFL draft, the Cowboys OL or DL?

Each day we get closer to the NFL draft in April, and after the moves both the Dallas Cowboys have made and other teams throughout the league have done, the Cowboys draft board looks a lot different now than it did two months ago.

The Cowboys have signed some depth players, and a few are probably going to be needed to start in 2025.

Most notably on the defensive side, they added Dante Fowler, who is coming off a 10-sack season with Washington. He comes back to the Cowboys as probably the best signing they have made thus far.

They also added Soloman Thomas and Payton Turner to add to the defensive line. They resigned Osa Odighizuwa, but have they done enough to make us not worry about it heading into the new season?

Cowboys DE Dante Fowler on being back in Dallas: "I know this is going to be a fast, physical defense. I'm looking forward to it. I'm a hybrid so I can adjust to anything. … Whatever the scheme is, I'm going to adapt to it, I'm going to adjust to it and I'll be ready to go."

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 20, 2025

Still A Problem

However, despite these positive depth signings the glaring absence of a solid 1-tech defensive tackle is something they can’t let go.

Mazi Smith, who they drafted in 2023, has not lived up to his first round status, and here we are again wondering if they may need to draft another one?

In addition to the defensive line improvements, Dallas has been proactive in adding depth across several positions.

The team has signed running back Javonte Williams and veteran options like Miles Sanders to help shore up the offensive schemes. Notably, they retained Osa Odighizuwa and brought in Rob Jones from the Miami Dolphins, indicating a sustained focus on line stability, yet I am still worried about both the offensive line and defensive line.

ESPN has reported that Dallas is actively exploring at least one more guy to add to the OL before the draft.

One intriguing name to watch is Teven Jenkins, yet as I type this he signed with the Cleveland Browns. Jenkins is a guy that I actually would have liked the Cowboys to bring in.

Sources: Former #Bears G Teven Jenkins is signing with the #Browns.

The former second-round pick started 38 games over four seasons in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/5zShDHShci

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 20, 2025

He would have been a starter from day one, and would have been a solid pickup for them.

Whether they add Jenkins or not, they are going to need to use the draft to bulk up some more guys on both sides.

I hope they use the first round pick, no. 12 on the best available. I don’t think Aston Jeanty will be there, but if the top wide out, don’t even think twice.

Draft Options

Mykel Williams revealed that he had a formal meeting with the Cowboys — and he seemed impressed with the coaching staff. If they came away with the same feeling, it could lead to Williams suiting up for America’s Team.

At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, Williams is a strong run defender who is still improving as a pass rusher. With DeMarcus Lawrence now in Seattle, Williams could be the perfect replacement.

Kelvin Banks jr, is the name that I keep seeing as someone the Cowboys could look to take if they go offensive lineman with the first round pick.

Banks has a good build to play either inside or outside, and enough length (33½ inches) that helps him compensate for any misblows.

His combination of quickness and strength, along with having 40 games under his belt when he enters the NFL, gives Banks the profile of a high-quality offensive line prospect who can hit the ground running as a professional.

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1902134377561346367

I see him best at guard at the next level, but his play this season and measurables from the scouting combine have more than earned him the shot to stay out at tackle.

You’ve seen enough of these mock drafts going around, but I still think being able to protect the quarterback as we sit today on March 21st is a bigger problem and if the Cowboys don’t get that figured out they will be in trouble again in 2025.