We are just one week away from the 2023 NFL Draft. So, as we inch closer to the biggest event of the off-season teams, begin to finalize their draft boards and, by now, understand their most pressing needs going into the draft.
The Dallas Cowboys are going into this draft with needs in multiple areas. The questions that continue to arise for the Cowboys. Who’s going to replace Zeke? Will they add another weapon for Dak Prescott? What about the cornerback position? We will have our answers next weekend. Let’s dive into the Cowboy’s biggest positional needs for this year’s draft.
- Tight End
- The Cowboys placed the franchise tag in 2022 on veteran TE Dalton Schultz and added rookies Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot. Fast forward to 2023, Schultz is now on the lone star rival, and Ferguson and Hendershot are left to carry the load. However, Cowboys Owner and GM Jerry Jones should consider adding a security blanket weapon in the middle of the field for his franchise QB. Let’s remember what Jason Witten was for Tony Romo.
Best Option
- Darnell Washington TE Georiga. At 6′ 7″ and 264 lbs, the Georgia product would provide size, power, and physical play for the offense. Washington would also be a mismatch nightmare for linebackers. If given a chance to put a star on his helmet, Washington would join an offensive arsenal that consists of 2nd team all-pro WR Ceedee Lamb, a much healthier Michael Gallup, newcomer and reliable veteran Brandin Cooks, and pro bowl RB Tony Pollard. I would expect the team to target a tight end on the second day and expect Washington to still be on the board.
- Cornerback
- Every year, this is a need in Dallas. Trevon Diggs is unquestionably number 1 here. DaRon Bland is coming off a breakout rookie season in which he notched five interceptions. Kelvin Joseph has struggled. Nahshon Wright has more to prove. Then there is a newcomer and two-time All-Pro, Stephon Gilmore. However, in a division with plenty of talent at WR, guys like AJ Brown, Davonta Smith, and Terry McLaurin, you can never have enough corners. While the addition of Gilmore gives the secondary a veteran presence, he is on the other side of 30 and is entering the final year of his contract. I wouldn’t be surprised if Joseph is fighting for a spot in camp. Overall, the Cowboys could add more help at the position.
Best Option
- Keele Ringo CB Georgia. Ringo should be available late on day two or early on day three, and I see him as a guy that could develop into a quality corner. He is a talented athlete who can play both man and zone. A plus here is the Cowboys view Gilmore as their number two corner this year but can bank on Ringo to develop and learn from their two veteran corners and eventually be that guy opposite of Diggs long-term.
3. Running Back
- After seven seasons full of memories, the Cowboys elected to say goodbye to their star running back Ezekiel Elliott. It was bound to happen at some point, as Elliot’s production did not match his contract. Nonetheless, Tony Pollard stepped up, had a career year in 2022 and is undoubtedly the starter in 2023. However, the Cowboys want to field a dynamic duo in their backfield and take the pressure off Dak Prescott. Luckily this draft is full of talent at RB, and the Cowboys certainly know how to find talent in the backfield.
Best Option
- Jahmyr Gibbs RB Alabama. While most fans would like to see Texas star RB Bijan Robinson, there is a good possibility he goes in the top 20. So the Cowboys will settle for the Alabama product. Not a bad idea when you consider that while he is just 5’9″, Gibbs is a home-run player with plenty of bursts, possesses great athleticism, and is a threat as a weapon in the passing game. I’ll end on this note; imagine Pollard and Gibbs in the same backfield.
Final Thoughts
- With the draft just one week away, it will be interesting to see what direction the Cowboys go. The roster has plenty of talent on both ends, including a defense that will create turnovers and get after opposing QBs. Ultimately I think they swing towards adding another weapon and addressing depth in the secondary. One thing is for sure the Cowboys have consistently swung and hit on several talented players in the last decade.
