Experts predict Dallas Cowboys tackle offensive line in latest NFL mock draft predictions
The 2024 NFL offseason is in full swing with many coaching changes in both conferences, including the NFC's Dallas Cowboys. Longtime defensive coordinator Dan Quinn took the head coaching job for fellow NFC East foe Washington Commanders. That came after the Cowboys' season ended with an upset loss at home to the Green Bay Packers in the wild card round of the 2024 NFL playoffs.
Now, the Cowboys are in offseason mode with the rest of the NFL, starting with the NFL Scouting Combine next week. There are plenty of prospects in Indianapolis that the Cowboys will be interested in, but some stand out among the rest for Dallas' first-round pick at 24th overall.
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Experts disagree on which player the Cowboys should choose but one prediction holds true through most NFL mock drafts: offensive line is the way to go. Here's what mock drafts from USA Today's Nate Davis and Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz predict, as well as the latest mock drafts from CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli and NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah.
2024 NFL mock draft: Cowboys prediction
Middlehurst-Schwartz: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Mims had limited starts in college but has arguably the highest upside of any offensive tackle prospect in the class. At 6-foot-7 and around 340 lbs., his athleticism stood out even against high-end competition in the SEC.
Middlehurst-Schwartz: "While Jerry Jones appears focused on staying the course despite the Cowboys' wild-card flameout against the Packers, Dallas might need to replace Tyron Smith if the longtime left tackle heads elsewhere in free agency or retires. Though Mims has just eight starts to his name and played right tackle at Georgia, he's the kind of high-upside option that Jones might be drawn to."
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Davis: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Morgan started at left tackle for the Wildcats for the last two seasons but could switch to guard at the NFL level. His blend of size, athleticism, and skill shines through in pass protection. His run blocking prowess is solid but needs to improve.
Davis: "Even if Tyron Smith is re-signed, it likely wouldn’t be for long. One of the final All-Pac-12 performers, Morgan would bring youth to Dallas’ front while giving the team the option of keeping Tyler Smith at guard, where the former college left tackle has performed very well."
Fornelli: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Like Morgan, Fautanu is a strong pass protector who can stay at tackle or move to guard at the NFL level. He lacks some consistency while run blocking but has potential for growth. Washington won the Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line in college football with Fautanu as the anchor.
Fornelli: "Maybe Tyron Smith will re-sign with the Cowboys, or maybe he won't. Either way, the Cowboys would be well-served to address their offensive line early in the draft. You will hear about his arm length, but we've seen players with shorter arms succeed at tackle. Fautanu has the feet to make it work and the strength."
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Jeremiah: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Guyton's performance at the Senior Bowl has him rising up mock drafts. The Oklahoma tackle's wingspan, athleticism, and height (6 feet, 7 inches tall) are ideal for an NFL offensive tackle. He may be the worst run blocker on this list but his pass blocking is among the best, giving him plenty of upside for a team to develop.
Jeremiah: "With Tyron Smith headed for free agency, the Cowboys can have 2022 first-rounder Tyler Smith man one tackle spot while Guyton takes the other."
2024 NFL Draft how to watch and streaming
When: April 25-27, 2024
Where: Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza, Detroit, Michigan
Cable: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network
Streaming: NFL+, ESPN+, Hulu+ Live TV, FuboTV
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 NFL mock drafts: Dallas Cowboys go offense in latest predictions
