For some, the Dallas Cowboys' offseason business was again underwhelming, with the franchise being "selectively aggressive" and bringing in bargain free agents.
Some could be seen as starters like Jack Sanborn, Miles Sanders, Dante Fowler Jr., Payton Turner, and Solomon Thomas, while others are purely depth pieces who Dallas hopes can elevate into something more.
But this approach has left the franchise in an unfortunate position—it must hit on many of its draft choices, something it didn't do last season.
For CBS Sports, Dallas is one of a select few teams that simply must ace the draft.
"The Cowboys used to justify the "America's Team" label with colorful, if ill-fated, roster movement," CBS Sports writes. "Lately, Jerry Jones has gone the other way, not only waiting until the last minute to secure homegrown stars but showing an aversion to blockbuster acquisitions. So unless guys like Javonte Williams or Miles Sanders or Solomon Thomas suddenly roar back to life, they're going to need to make good use of their 10 picks, hopefully outfitting Dak Prescott with legitimate support on both sides of the ball."
Armed with picks 12, 44, 76, 149, 174, 204, 211, 217, 239, and 247, the Cowboys have some wriggle room in the draft.
Here's a look at the full group of picks ...
- Round 1: No. 12 overall
- Round 2: No. 44 overall
- Round 3: No. 76 overall
- Round 5: No. 149 overall
- Round 5: No. 174 overall (compensatory)
- Round 6: No. 204 overall (from Lions)
- Round 6: No. 211 overall (compensatory)
- Round 7: No. 217 overall (from Titans)
- Round 7: No. 239 overall (from Packers)
- Round 7: No. 247 overall (from Chiefs)
A lot of picks. And make no mistake, those first few selections have to be helpers - maybe even good starting-caliber players in 2025 - if this roster is going to be buyoed.
Matthew Golden and Tet McMillan are looming as potential first-round choices, and running backs Omarion Hampton (with a trade back?) or TreVeyon Henderson (in the second round) would be a good start as the offense needs weapons.
After that, the Cowboys and personnel boss Will McClay must go about their business and get some real gems.
Needing to hit on so many draft picks isn't an ideal spot to be, but given their offseason's work, that is where the Cowboys find themselves.
No pressure, Mr. McClay.
