Machota: What position is most likely the 1st round pick?

[Risen Star]

Here are the most probable positions, in order of least likely to most likely.

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Cornerback
Before the trade for Stephon Gilmore, this was more of a possibility. But combining Gilmore with Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis means it’s not as much of a priority. Gilmore and Lewis might not be around in 2024, so looking into the future isn’t a bad idea if the best player available on their board is a cornerback. Since Jerry Jones purchased the team in 1989, the Cowboys have used five first-round picks on cornerbacks: Byron Jones (2015), Morris Claiborne (2012), Mike Jenkins (2008), Terence Newman (2003), Kevin Smith (1992).

Players who could be there at 26: Devon Witherspoon, Illinois; Deonte Banks, Maryland; Kelee Ringo, Georgia, Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State.

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Interior offensive line
Left guard is probably the biggest hole on the roster. But will a player be there at 26 that the Cowboys feel is worthy of that spot? They view recently signed free agent Chuma Edoga as a potential left guard. They have also looked into the possibility of having Steele get some work there. It makes a lot more sense to address the position somewhere in the second or third round of this draft. It would also make sense to get a player who has the position flex to be the backup center. The Cowboys have been excellent at drafting offensive linemen in the first round. Their recent resume includes Tyler Smith, Zack Martin, Travis Frederick and Tyron Smith.

Players who could be there at 26: O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida; Steve Avila, TCU.

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Tight end
Dalton Schultz leaving in free agency has made this a popular pick for the Cowboys among mock drafts. But several factors make this position a little less likely than some might think. The Cowboys could definitely use another starting-caliber tight end, but they like what they have in Jake Ferguson, Peyton Hendershot and Sean McKeon. This is also a very deep tight end class. They could end up feeling like there isn’t a huge gap between a tight end they could get in the first round as one they could land in the second. The tight end position also hasn’t had a lot of first-round success over the last 15 years. And then several of the NFL’s top tight ends weren’t even drafted in the first two rounds. Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews and Dawson Knox were third-round picks. George Kittle was drafted in the fifth round. Dallas has not drafted a tight end in the first round since David LaFleur in 1997. The Packers never drafted a tight end in the first round during McCarthy’s 13 seasons in Green Bay.

Players who could be there at 26: Michael Mayer, Notre Dame; Dalton Kincaid, Utah; Darnell Washington, Georgia; Luke Musgrave, Oregon State.

 

[Risen Star]

Wide receiver
Before the trade for Brandin Cooks, this would have been in the top spot. If the season started today, Dallas’ top four wide receivers would be Lamb, Cooks, Michael Gallup and Jalen Tolbert. Teams need at least four quality players at the position. If the right player is there, it still makes sense at 26. Another factor here is that there really isn’t anything close to a consensus on how these receivers stack up. How the Cowboys have the group ranked will probably be different from other teams. Maybe they go on the clock at 26 and one of the top two wide receivers on their board is still there. It’s difficult to argue with that being the pick. Wide receivers Jones has drafted in the first round: Lamb (2020), Dez Bryant (2010) and Alvin Harper (1991).

Players who could be there at 26: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State; Jordan Addison, USC; Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee; Quentin Johnston, TCU; Zay Flowers, Boston College.

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Defensive line
There’s some overlap here because this really includes two position groups, edge rushers and defensive tackles. Defensive tackle is arguably Dallas’ biggest need. Edge rusher probably isn’t in the top five, but the position is so valuable and teams can’t have enough. If the right edge rusher is there, the Cowboys won’t be concerned with already having Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Sam Williams, Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler. The reason this group tops the list is because there’s a decent chance that an intriguing edge rusher or tackle falls to Pick 26. And if that’s the case, the Cowboys’ roster is set up so that they can take the best player available.

Players who could be there at 26: DE Nolan Smith, Georgia; DT Bryan Bresee, Clemson; DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh; DE Keion White, Georgia Tech; DT Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern; DE Will McDonald, Iowa State; DT Mazi Smith, Michigan.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Wide receiver
Before the trade for Brandin Cooks, this would have been in the top spot. If the season started today, Dallas’ top four wide receivers would be Lamb, Cooks, Michael Gallup and Jalen Tolbert. Teams need at least four quality players at the position. If the right player is there, it still makes sense at 26. Another factor here is that there really isn’t anything close to a consensus on how these receivers stack up. How the Cowboys have the group ranked will probably be different from other teams. Maybe they go on the clock at 26 and one of the top two wide receivers on their board is still there. It’s difficult to argue with that being the pick. Wide receivers Jones has drafted in the first round: Lamb (2020), Dez Bryant (2010) and Alvin Harper (1991).

Players who could be there at 26: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State; Jordan Addison, USC; Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee; Quentin Johnston, TCU; Zay Flowers, Boston College.

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Defensive line
There’s some overlap here because this really includes two position groups, edge rushers and defensive tackles. Defensive tackle is arguably Dallas’ biggest need. Edge rusher probably isn’t in the top five, but the position is so valuable and teams can’t have enough. If the right edge rusher is there, the Cowboys won’t be concerned with already having Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Sam Williams, Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler. The reason this group tops the list is because there’s a decent chance that an intriguing edge rusher or tackle falls to Pick 26. And if that’s the case, the Cowboys’ roster is set up so that they can take the best player available.

Players who could be there at 26: DE Nolan Smith, Georgia; DT Bryan Bresee, Clemson; DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh; DE Keion White, Georgia Tech; DT Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern; DE Will McDonald, Iowa State; DT Mazi Smith, Michigan.

Its starting to look like they leaning WR

 

[xwalker]

Its starting to look like they leaning WR

Based on all types of meetings (complete or scheduled) with players up to this point (combine, local & national visits, specific pro day workouts):

OL 18
WR 15
CB 12
RB 9
SF 8
DE 4
DT 4
LB 4
QB 4
TE 4
Punter 1

 

[garyv]

Its starting to look like they leaning WR

I would feel much much better going OL plug and play at LG either O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida; Steve Avila, TCU

 

[DanA]

My gut feeling is that pick 1 will be one of:

1. Bijan Robinson
2. Jalen Hyatt
3. Jordan Addison
4. O'Cyrus Torrence
5. Emanuel Forbes

 

[darthseinfeld]

I would feel much much better going OL plug and play at LG either O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida; Steve Avila, TCU

Neither of those guys are worth 1st round picks though

 

[reddyuta]

his whole argument about TEs is just lazy imo.he says past TE in 1st RD havent worked out well so we can get one in the 2nd RD but i could counter with our history of poor TEs drafted in the 2nd RD who havent worked out.past history should not preculde or dictate your draft at all.

 

[McKDaddy]

BPA. That is the position.

They have done a nice job of crafting the roster in such a way that they aren't forced to do anything. Draft BPA or move down & draft BPA. If BPA creates an overflow at the position, deal with it. If the player getting displaced was good enough to start for you, he will bring value back in a trade.

 

[Carson]

Its starting to look like they leaning WR

If Flowers or JSN are there, sure. But I just can’t spend 26 on a guy like Quentin Johnston or Josh Downs

 

[TNCowboy]

IMO, they will try to trade down into the early 2nd and take an edge guy or Drew Sanders, or one of the guards. That looks like it's where the value lies. Provided Robinson and the top WRs are gone.

 

[austin88]

I agree with Machota's reasoning regarding DLine, but I'm not convinced that the Cowboys do. They never value DT, and they emphasize getting a first-year starter with their first-round pick, which a DE probably wouldn't be. But I hope Machota's right, because that's a very interesting set of names at high value positions.

 

[garyv]

Neither of those guys are worth 1st round picks though

Their not BUT you want get them in the 2nd round where they are picking

 

[rambo2]

If Robinson is there, he is the pick.

 

[speedkilz88]

Trades & FA is used to fill a hole so they don't reach for need and can take the best fit within the tier of players they like. If CB Witherspoon is there then they should take him because he's a hell of a CB and shouldn't be there. Next guy in line that he posted would probably be WR JSN. CB Forbes should be considered as well. Kevin Smith type CB.

 

[Malhavoc]

Kincaid, Kancey, Mcdonald. My top 3 realistic options.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

, they will try to trade down into the early 2nd

I can def see this but more so the bottom of the first rather than 2nd (5th-year option )

 

[Hawkeye0202]

they emphasize getting a first-year starter with their first-round pick, which a DE probably wouldn't be

1000%.......not sure why fans/posters can't see this

 

[Hawkeye0202]

I don't see WR for 26 at all.......yes it's a position they had the most visits ( well almost ). But IF they felt strongly about getting one with 26, he obviously would be expected to start. If that is the case why would they trade for Cook and seal him for 2 years? Now some saying we also are draft one with our 1st. That is assuming Gallup and Tolbert won't have any impact. That's a little bit of a reach IMO. As to the volume of WRs they have met with.........it's possible they are looking for one or two developmental types who can maybe step in a year or 2.

Also, remember MM had a habit of developing mid-tier WRs into legit starters.........Jordy Nelson for example

 

[xwalker]

I don't see WR for 26 at all.......yes it's a position they had the most visits ( well almost ). But IF they felt strongly about getting one with 26, he obviously would be expected to start. If that is the case why would they trade for Cook and seal him for 2 years? Now some saying we also are draft one with our 1st. That is assuming Gallup and Tolbert won't have any impact. That's a little bit of a reach IMO. As to the volume of WRs they have met with.........it's possible they are looking for one or two developmental types who can maybe step in a year or 2.

Agree. 1st round WR unlikely because the type of WR they would rate as a first rounder is probably not in this draft.

If there was a big time WR in this draft and they had a chance to draft him, then it's a different story.