The Dallas Cowboys head into April with an offense that might be considered the best in the league. With that being said, the Cowboys are always looking to improve their roster. Let’s take a look at each position group on offense and see where Dallas could be looking to upgrade in the 2021 NFL Draft. The players listed are the starters/most likely backups. Also, a “draft need” rating will be given from low to high.
Cowboys Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott, Garrett Gilbert, Cooper Rush, Ben DiNucci
After the Cowboys agreed to terms with Dak Prescott on a four-year, $160 million contract, that solidified the most important position on the team. Having the two-time Pro Bowler at QB for the foreseeable future gives the Cowboys confidence knowing they will not need to draft another starting QB anytime soon.
As for the backups, some work could be done. Andy Dalton was able to step in last year after Dak went down with his injury in Week 5. But, now that Dalton has signed with the Chicago Bears, the backup QB position in Dallas looks bleak.
Garrett Gilbert, Cooper Rush and Ben DiNucci have combined to start two NFL games in their careers, which is concerning if they are called upon to play. The Cowboys might best be served to sign a veteran backup or at least someone with more starting experience. Adding another QB via the NFL Draft seems unlikely.
Cowboys Draft Need: Low
Cowboys Running Backs
Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle
The Cowboys running backs have been very good ever since Ezekiel Elliott was drafted in 2016. Zeke has led the NFL in rushing twice in his first five seasons, along with averaging 4.5 yards per carry in his career. As long as he remains healthy, Zeke will continue to be the bell-cow for this team.
Tony Pollard has been a great change of pace back for the Cowboys. The 2019 fourth-round pick has led the Cowboys in explosive runs over the past two seasons. Including four rushes of 20+ yards and two rushes of 40+ yards last season. Dowdle has yet to get any significant carries but he has provided some help on special teams.
Cowboys Draft Need: Low
Cowboys Wide Receivers
Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, Cedrick Wilson, Noah Brown
This is one of the best units in all of football. The Cowboys have done a great job of acquiring wide receivers via the NFL Draft and trade. The big three of Cooper, Lamb and Gallup all have the potential to be 1,000-yard receivers, especially with Dak Prescott returning.
Cooper has reached 1,000 yards each of his first two full seasons in Dallas, including a 92-catch season in 2020, where he had to play with four different quarterbacks. Lamb had a great rookie season, especially considering the limited offseason due to COVID. The rookie brought in 74 passes for 935 yards and five touchdowns. He is expected to make a big jump in his second season.
Gallup is entering the final year of his contract, and there have been rumors that the Cowboys could be considering moving him for a draft pick or defensive player. But, for now, Gallup is a big part of the offense, and having three top-notch wide receivers should continue to allow this offense to flourish.
Wilson and Brown are more than capable as 4/5 receivers, and I would be surprised if Dallas decided to spend another premium pick on a wide receiver.
Cowboys Draft Need: Low
Cowboys Tight Ends
Blake Jarwin, Dalton Schultz, Jeremy Sprinkle
Tight end could be a position the Cowboys target in the NFL Draft. Blake Jarwin is coming off a torn ACL, which he suffered in Week 1 last season. Dalton Schultz filled in nicely, recording 63 receptions for 615 yards and four touchdowns. Jeremy Sprinkle was recently signed by the team as a depth signing. Sprinkle is seen as more of a blocking tight end.
But, if Kyle Pitts is available at 10th overall, I would assume the Cowboys would seriously consider taking him. Chris Mortensen of ESPN reported that Cowboys Owner/General Manager Jerry Jones is “infatuated” with Pitts. Jones has always loved the “flashy” pick, and Pitts would fit that description.
If not Pitts, there are a few later-round options at tight end that could interest the Cowboys, including Miami’s Brevin Jordan, Notre Dame’s Tommy Tremble and Boston College’s Hunter Long.
Ultimately, Jarwin and Schultz have shown they can be a good tight end tandem for Dallas. But, if the Cowboys decide to go all-in on offense and take Pitts, can you really blame them?
Cowboys Draft Need: Medium
Cowboys Offensive Line
Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, Tyler Biadasz, Connor Williams, La’el Collins, Connor McGovern, Ty Nsekhe
The offensive line has been a key part of the Cowboys’ offensive success in recent years. But, health has been an issue for much of the unit. La’el Collins missed all of last season with a hip injury. Also, Tyron Smith only played in two games last season due to neck surgery.
Even Zack Martin, who missed two games his first six NFL seasons was forced to miss six games in 2020. The aging offensive line could be a reason for some of these injuries and it would be smart for Dallas to start looking to get younger up-front.
Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater remain the two best offensive line prospects in the draft, but Dallas would have to spend their 10th overall pick to get one of them. If not, there are plenty of day two and three options the Cowboys could be interested in.
The likes of Tevin Jenkins (Oklahoma State), Samuel Cosmi (Texas), Liam Eichenberg (Notre Dame) or Jalen Mayfield (Michigan) could all be possible selections if the Cowboys choose to pass on an offensive lineman in round one.
Cowboys Draft Need: Medium
Overall, the Cowboys should be looking to upgrade at offensive line and tight end at some point in this upcoming NFL Draft. Even though they need help on defense, do not be surprised if they draft the best player available at 10th overall and select one of these cornerstone offensive talents.
