In the competitive realm of the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys are primed to strategically bolster their roster through the draft after a notably subdued free agency period. Owner Jerry Jones, who has been critiqued for the team’s lack of activity in signing new talent, appears to be setting the stage for significant acquisitions in the upcoming NFL draft, according to renowned ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
Dallas Cowboys Draft Targets Vital Positions
Mel Kiper Jr.’s insights reveal a calculated move by the Dallas Cowboys, targeting critical positions that were left vacant by departing players. Notably, the Cowboys are set to pick Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton with the 24th overall selection. Guyton is tipped to fill the large shoes of Tyron Smith, adding youthful vigor and fresh talent to the offensive line.
Furthermore, the spotlight shines brightly on the 56th pick, where Texas running back Jonathon Brooks is expected to step in. Brooks is seen as the ideal replacement for Tony Pollard, who recently signed with the Tennessee Titans.
This selection is particularly strategic, as it addresses the void left by Pollard’s departure—a void that is palpable given Pollard’s impressive performance in the previous season, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and contributed significantly in the passing game.
Jonathon Brooks, A Glimpse into the Future
Mel Kiper Jr. lauds Brooks as a potential game-changer for the Dallas Cowboys. “This has been a popular pairing based on Dallas’ offseason plan at running back,” he stated. Kiper Jr. highlights Brooks’ robust statistics of 1,139 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns before a setback with an ACL injury in November.
Despite this, Jonathon Brooks’ dual-threat capability as a runner and receiver positions him as a top draft prospect ready to make an immediate impact.
Jonathon Brooks’ playing style and physical stature are remarkably similar to Pollard’s, making him a seamless fit for the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive scheme. Last season, Jonathon Brooks demonstrated his prowess on the ground and his utility in the passing game attributes that the Dallas Cowboys are eager to integrate into their offensive strategy.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. sees #Hawkeyes DT Daviyon Nixon as a potential fit with the Dallas Cowboys.
Story:https://t.co/Rs7WlIstDC
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) January 5, 2021
Dallas Cowboys Draft Focus Signals Strategy
The decision to focus on the draft instead of pursuing high-profile free agents like Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry underscores a longer-term vision for team construction. The Dallas Cowboys’ current running back lineup, including Snoop Conner, Malik Davis, and others, suggests that Dallas is gearing up to inject fresh talent and ignite competition for the starting roles.
This draft-centric approach could prove to be a masterstroke by Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ management, aligning potential with strategy in a bid to refine the team’s dynamics and escalate their competitive edge in the upcoming season.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on these pivotal selections that could redefine the Cowboys’ trajectory and perhaps quiet the critics of their free agency strategy. With strategic drafts like Tyler Guyton and Jonathon Brooks, the Cowboys are not just filling gaps—they are gearing up for a resurgence.
Sources: Yardbarker
