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.
