Prospects for Cowboys to Avoid in 2023 NFL Draft

It's been a fairly solid offseason for the Dallas Cowboys thus far. While the Cowboys didn't go on a free-agent spending spree, they retained running back Tony Pollard with the franchise tag and traded for wideout Brandin Cooks and cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

The Cowboys also managed to retain offensive tackle Tyron Smith with a restructured contract.

Now, Dallas turns to the 2023 NFL draft, where it will look to flesh out the depth chart and address the few remaining needs. The Cowboys have seven draft selections with which to work, including the 26th overall pick.

However, Dallas won't have a successful draft if it picks the wrong players later this month. With this in mind, let's examine three prospects the Cowboys should look to avoid over draft weekend and why.

Cody Mauch, IOL, North Dakota State

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North Dakota State OL Cody Mauch

The Cowboys have a strong starting five in Tyron Smith, Tyler Smith, Tyler Biadasz, Zack Martin and Terence Steele. However, Dallas would be wise to add some additional depth in the draft.

Injuries along the line have been an issue for the Cowboys in recent years, and Dallas lost Connor McGovern—who started 15 games last season—in free agency. North Dakota State's Cody Mauch, however, shouldn't be targeted to replace McGovern.

While Mauch is a strong run-blocker, his pass protection and length are questionable.

"Inconsistent footwork in pass protection and below-average arm length could foreshadow a move inside to guard, where he is capable of competing for a starting job as a scheme-versatile tough guy," NFL Media's Lance Zierlein wrote.

The problem with kicking Mauch inside is that he only played tackle in college. On top of that, he didn't face the highest level of competition in college. He'll likely face a long adjustment period in the NFL, both in relation to the talent level and a new role.

Mauch could be the perfect target for a team with the time to develop him, but that isn't Dallas. The Cowboys are looking to contend now, and if they draft a lineman early, they need one who can step in and start if it's required.

Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

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Oregon State TE Luke Musgrave

Dallas also needs a pass-catching tight end after losing Dalton Schultz to the Houston Texans in free agency. Schultz played on the franchise tag in 2022 and finished with 57 receptions, 577 yards and five touchdowns.

The 2023 class is both loaded with tight-end talent and deep at the position. If the Cowboys dip into the talent pool early, though, they need to find a tight end who can make an immediate impact.

Oregon State's Luke Musgrave has the athletic upside needed to be a future NFL star. He ran a 4.61-second 40-yard dash at 6'6" and 253 pounds in Indianapolis. The issue is that his athleticism and size didn't translate to production in college.

Despite appearing in 20 games, Musgrave finished his college career with only 633 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He hasn't shown that he can be a high-volume pass-catcher, and it may take time for Musgrave's frame to fill out.

"He will need to add weight and muscle in order to handle himself in traffic and over the middle of the field, however," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "Hopefully a year or two in an NFL weight training system can do the trick and unlock his potential."

Dallas should focus on tight ends more equipped to contribute in 2023, like Notre Dame's Michael Mayer or Georgia's Darnell Washington.

Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse

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Syracuse RB Sean Tucker

While the departures of Schultz and McGovern were big, the departure of running back Ezekiel Elliott was the biggest of the offseason for Dallas. While the former Ohio State star wasn't as explosive or as consistent as he was early in his career, he was still a capable dual-threat and an above-average pass protector.

Cutting Elliott leaves Dallas with a massive hole in its backfield. Pollard is coming off of a broken leg and ankle injury that required surgery, and he's never been the Cowboys' bell cow before.

It would make a lot of sense to add a running back or two to the Cowboys' rotation. However, Syracuse's Sean Tucker may not have the skills needed to hold an early prominent role n Dallas. Tucker lacks experience in pass protection, and his skill set would be too similar to Pollard's rather than complementary.

"Tucker projects best as a change-of-pace back who can also be used on passing downs," Klassen wrote. "A scheme that allows Tucker to hit the perimeter often as well as take advantage of his receiving skills would be best, like a lesser version of what the Cowboys did with Tony Pollard."

Dallas needs to add a back who, like Elliott, can pick up tough yards between the tackles and protect the quarterback in passing situations. While Tucker could be a terrific addition to a different backfield, he's simply a poor fit for Dallas'.