The first-round talks leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft will feature some unexpected names that teams have been valuing more highly than the public and media. This is an established method.
The first-round talks leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft will feature some unexpected names that teams have been valuing more highly than the public and media.
The draft follows a well-established custom that Cowboys supporters are accustomed to.
After both Tyler Smith and Mazi Smith went unnoticed in the months preceding their respective drafts, we began to hear whispers of the Cowboys’ strong first-round interest in both players in each of the last two drafts.
With the recently retired Leighton Vander Esch, this also occurred in 2018.
The key takeaway is that, despite the fact that we are all aware of the probable first-round targets the Cowboys may choose from, March has not yet arrived. It is be that we are seeking in the wrong place entirely.
As with the Smiths in 2022 and 2023, we should consider all of our choices before the smoke starts to rise regarding Dallas’s interest in a player that fans haven’t been following.
With this deep of a draft class, anything is conceivable.
Let’s examine three guys who aren’t currently in first-round negotiations but may end up wearing a Cowboys draft jersey during the April stage show.
Former Houston Cougar Patrick Paul may be the player the Cowboys turn to if they want to replicate the success of the Smith pick in 2022 on the offensive line.Paul has not participated in the first-round negotiations like other players have, in spite of the excitement surrounding the 2024 offensive line selection class.
The reason for this, though, is that all we are hearing about right now is from the media and fans.
Paul is the archetypal offensive tackle that draft analysts believe is still too raw and much of a project to be selected in the second or third round, despite his talent. If a tackle is gifted yet raw, it doesn’t matter as much to NFL teams.
Paul has not participated in the first-round negotiations like other players have, in spite of the excitement surrounding the 2024 offensive line selection class.
The reason for this, though, is that all we are hearing about right now is from the media and fans.
Paul is the archetypal offensive tackle that draft analysts believe is still too raw and much of a project to be selected in the second or third round, despite his talent. If a tackle is gifted yet raw, it doesn’t matter as much to NFL teams.
Paul has the size, length, and exceptional athleticism that teams need in a player at 6’7″ and 330 pounds.
His primary skill is pass-blocking, and during his five-year collegiate career, he played offensive tackle for approximately 3,000 snaps.
This native of Houston, Texas possesses every quality that NFL teams seek in a tackle prospect.
This brings us to the Cowboys, who produce excellent offensive linemen and who I always trust above all else for player scouting and evaluation.
Despite Paul’s lack of attention in mock drafts and big board rankings, if they fall in love with his qualities—which is very possible—they will not hesitate to choose him in the first round.
As the draft draws near, keep an eye out for his name to be associated with Dallas.
Though it is currently unlikely, Cowboys fans could fall in love with former Missouri DL Darius Robinson if Dallas selects another defensive lineman in the first round.
Having just finished a season with 14 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks, he is still very much developing.
Do the Cowboys’ needs go beyond the defense line right now? Indeed.
However, it is rarely a wise move to target a position of need, and Dallas should be concentrating on acquiring the best player available given the abundance of gaps on the team.
Robinson might be the player selected with the 24th pick, depending on how the board shakes up.
Trevin Wallace, a former Kentucky Wildcat, is currently unknown to most people unless they follow the NFL Draft closely, but it appears Cowboys supporters may become rather familiar with him.
With the draft drawing near, Dallas is making Wallace their top target on defense; they are even hosting Wallace for an official visit, something they are only able to do with 30 players in the cycle.
A “30-visit” guy is usually a sign of serious interest, particularly in the Cowboys.
In 2023, Wallace had a spectacular season that made headlines: 80 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and his third interception in the previous two seasons. Have a conversation about completing everything.
Wallace’s performance at the combine was noteworthy as well since it showcased his exceptional athleticism.
Wallace weighed 237 pounds and ran a 4.51 40-yard sprint.
By many measures, he is considered an outstanding athlete with the raw football skill to produce impressive results in a variety of formats. Robinson and I had a conversation about Robinson’s versatility, and Wallace has even more to offer.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network mentioned at the combine that Wallace might be selected in the second round.
Dallas might move back a few positions to take him or, if the board doesn’t go their way, they could decide to choose him at number 24 given their limited draft cash and interest in him.
Wallace, like the other names on this list, would catch the fan base off guard.
It is crucial to keep in mind that occasionally the surprise choice performs far better than the consensus reached prior to the draft. Until they put on the cleats, we won’t know.
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