The Dallas Cowboys and the 2023 NFL Draft
With less than a month until the draft, the Dallas Cowboys are eagerly preparing for the 2023 NFL Draft. The team has positioned themselves well through their handling of free agency, allowing them to take the best player available in the draft. Predicting their pick is difficult due to the wide range of possibilities and permutations in the draft. However, mock drafts suggest potential help for the trenches, particularly at defensive tackle.
Potential Picks for the Cowboys
Clemson’s Bryan Bresee is a popular pick for the Cowboys in recent mock drafts, despite their history of not drafting a defensive tackle in over 30 years. Other potential players for the Cowboys include Jordan Addison, Dalton Kincaid, Michael Mayer, Mazi Smith, and Adetomiwa Adebawore. ESPN’s Jordan Reid’s mock draft predicts the Cowboys selecting Calijah Kancey and Steve Avila in the first two rounds to address their deficiencies in the trenches. Brenton Strange, Jerrod Clark, Clayton Tune, and Micah Baskerville are other Day 3 potential picks for the Cowboys.
Addressing Needs Before The Draft
The Dallas Cowboys have used free agency and trades to cover various positions on their roster. The team believes in filling holes before the draft to avoid reaching too far for a specific position and potentially missing out on a good player. Despite resignings and acquisitions, there are still needs within the team that need addressing. They have avoided drafting tight ends in the first round since 1997 but may consider Dalton Kincaid or Michael Mayer this year. Ezekiel Elliott’s departure means that they may look for options at running back either with a first-round pick or later in the draft.
Additionally, there is an opportunity to protect quarterback Dak Prescott by picking up some offensive line help. The team may also consider drafting a cornerback for the future, given that they have a potentially strong cornerback duo with Stephon Gilmore and Trevon Diggs.
Michael Mayer: The Potential First-Round Pick
Mike Tannenbaum, former NFL general manager, predicts that the Dallas Cowboys will draft Michael Mayer from Notre Dame with their first-round pick. Mayer is one of the top tight ends in the NFL draft class, who is pro-ready and can immediately fill the void left by Dalton Schultz. With impressive combine numbers and excellent performances at Notre Dame’s Pro Day, he has spoken with every single NFL team ahead of next month’s draft.
The Draft Network compares Mayer to Cowboys’ legend Jason Witten, and fans have nicknamed him “Baby Gronk.” If Tannenbaum’s prediction is correct and Mayer is still available when the Dallas Cowboys go on the clock in round one, their fans would no doubt be thrilled with their first-round pick on a tight end for the first time in 25 years.
Conclusion
With so many potential picks on the table, the Dallas Cowboys will need to make wise decisions in the upcoming draft to ensure they remain a competitive team in the coming year. Defensive tackle remains an area of concern for some fans but picking up someone like Bryan Bresee would be a considerable boost. Alternatively, addressing offensive line issues or picking up some depth at linebacker or cornerback could give them enough strength to push ahead once more. Whatever they choose, the Dallas Cowboys are sure to bring excitement as they compete in the 2023 NFL season.
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