The ten most fascinating CowboThe Dallas Cowboys have a new narrative each year as they enter NFL Scouting Combine week. Occasionally, the focus is more on how they can use a high pick in each round to strengthen their roster. Other years, it’s mostly about coaching changes, contract disputes, and important free agents. This year, the Cowboys have a little bit of everything.
These ten Cowboys topics are where I’ve been concentrating my research to get more information, to give you an idea of what’s on my mind while I make my weeklong trip to Indianapolis. Please feel free to share any thoughts you may have in the space provided for comments below. narratives leading up to this week’s NFL Scouting Combine
What is meant by “going all in”?
During Senior Bowl week late last month, Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, made those remarks. He didn’t go into specifics, though. When he meets with reporters this week, he might share more. Saying “all in” usually refers to taking a more aggressive offseason strategy, especially when it comes to acquiring veteran talent through trade or free agency. The 2020 Tampa Bay Bucs, the 2021 Los Angeles Rams, the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles, and the 2023 San Francisco 49ers are the NFC teams that have been “all in” over the last four seasons. Each made forceful roster moves that set them apart from the other players. And in the end, all four played in the Super Bowl on behalf of the NFC. Should the Cowboys be putting “all in” on developing talent, as demonstrated by their actions during the course of the upcoming month.
Which draft priorities are most important to them?
The Cowboys’ primary needs as of right now on the roster are linebacker, defensive tackle, left tackle, center, and running back. During free agency, some, if not all, of those issues will be resolved. Additionally, the depth of this draft class at particular positions might be relevant. For instance, it doesn’t seem like there is a prospect projected to be selected in the first round at running back or linebacker. Simply put, there isn’t that caliber of outstanding talent available for those roles. Conversely, the offensive tackle position seems to have a deep group. The offensive line would win if there was a betting line established on which position group the Cowboys would select in the first round. Which draft priorities are most important to them?
The offensive line would be the top choice to be addressed with the Cowboys’ first-round selection. With the 24th overall pick, they could choose to select their left tackle or future center.
The main priority for the offseason needs to be Prescott’s condition. If he reaches the last year of his contract, counting nearly $60 million toward the 2024 cap, there won’t be many “all in” moves. The fifth and final year of Lamb’s rookie contract is about to begin. Completing an extension with their top wide receiver will facilitate financial reallocation, allowing for additional roster enhancements. As Parsons is about to enter the fourth year of his rookie contract, he still has until 2025 to exercise his option to play for a fifth year. However, if he has another stellar year, you can probably bet that it will be less expensive for him to resign now than it will be later.
Are they going to hold onto Michael Gallup?
Although he still has three years left on his deal, the Cowboys have the option to cut him in order to save roughly $800,000 for their 2024 cap. The most notable player on the team who may lose cap space is him. They may decide to part ways with Gallup and go younger at wide receiver if they believe Jalen Tolbert has already surpassed him in terms of value.
Which offensive line plan is in place?
LT Tyrone Smith and C Unrestricted free agents include Tyler Biadasz. In recent years, the offensive line has deteriorated. Improvements are required. Smith returning on a one-year contract that would be reasonably friendly to the team is a good bet. Biadasz is not expected to follow suit. It is likely that center will need to be addressed early in the draft if he signs with another team. What is Tyler Smith’s plan? It was anticipated that he would eventually start at left tackle for the team when he was selected. But since left guard has been performing so well, they might not want to move him.
Is it now more clear what the defense will be putting out?
When Mike Zimmer gave his first press conference two weeks ago, he didn’t go into great detail about the defense. However, it will be intriguing to see what can be learned in Indianapolis over the course of the week. Will Parsons continue to play linebacker off the ball like he has the past three seasons, or will he take on a more traditional role? Do they believe they can re-sign free agents with experience, such as DT Jonathan Hankins and CB Stephon Gilmore? If not, how are corners and tackles going to be filled in the starting lineup? With Zimmer in charge, what other obvious changes can we expect to see on the field?
With Jimmy Johnson on his “advisory board,” what benefits has Jerry Jones reaped?
That was disclosed by Johnson in a recent radio interview. It may not have much of an impact, but it will be intriguing to learn what Jones has to say about exchanging ideas with Johnson. Who else is present on this board?
Is signing an experienced running back truly desired?
Most likely, you’ve heard of or seen the scenarios. Any time a prominent running back becomes available, from Derrick Henry to Saquon Barkley, it appears that an analyst is attempting to match them with Dallas. Though the Cowboys might not be able to afford those two, how about bringing Ezekiel Elliott or Tony Pollard back? Is anyone interested? How much, if at all? Or is the goal to get younger and get a better spot in the draft the main focus?
What can we anticipate from Mazi Smith in the upcoming year?
It’s no secret that he had a disappointing rookie campaign. To address their biggest need at defensive tackle, the Cowboys selected the former Michigan standout with their first-round pick. Help is still needed for the position a year later. Is it realistic to expect a big jump from Smith in the second year? How does Zimmer intend to use him specifically?
Leave a Reply