Hidden-Gem Prospects Cowboys Must Target in 2024 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys haven't been particularly active in the early stages of the 2024 offseason. In fact, Dallas has lost more talent than it has gained.

The Cowboys' one big addition is that of linebacker Eric Kendricks. Meanwhile, they've already lost offensive tackle Tyron Smith, edge-rusher Dorance Armstrong, running back Tony Pollard and center Tyler Biadasz in free agency.

Dallas is seemingly prepared to do its rebuilding through the draft, where it currently holds seven total selections. Fans will likely spend the next few weeks focusing on the Cowboys' top three picks—Nos. 24, 56 and 87 overall—but for Dallas to have a successful draft, it needs to hit at all stages.

Here, we'll dive into three under-the-radar prospects the Cowboys must target on Day 3.

RB Blake Corum, Michigan

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Michigan RB prospect Blake Corum

The Cowboys did re-sign running back Rico Dowdle, which gives them a backfield rotation of Dodwle, Malik Davis and second-year man Deuce Vaughn. There's some decent depth there, but Dallas lacks a quality starter and needs to, at a minimum, add to its backfield committee.

Unfortunately, the 2024 draft isn't exactly loaded at the running back position, which is why RBs were a hot commodity early in free agency. If Dallas is willing to wait until Day 4 to address the position, Michigan's Blake Corum is a player to target.

Corum might not have the high-end athletic upside of a future star, but he's a sound technical runner who knows how to read defenses and utilize blocks to his advantage. After topping 240 carries in each of the last two seasons, Corum has also shown that he can handle a heavy workload.

The problem for Dallas is that Corum is likely to be an early Day 3 selection—he's the 114th-ranked prospect on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's big board—and the Cowboys don't have a fourth-round pick.

Dallas does own picks No. 174, 216 and 233, however, and a package might allow it to trade up and into Round 4. That would be a sensible move if the Cowboys can pull it off, as the 2024 class lacks talent on the back end.

Edge Brennan Jackson, Washington State

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Washington State edge Brennan Jackson

After losing Armstrong—who had 7.5 sacks last season and 16 over the past two—Dallas could use another piece in its pass-rushing rotation. Preferably, the Cowboys would find an edge-rusher who could also bolster their 16th-ranked run defense.

Finding a prospect who can address both needs on Day 3 won't be easy, but Washington State's Brennan Jackson is worth a flier. Jackson is a 6'4", 266-pound edge prospect with the frame and physical tools to eventually become a regular contributor.

"Jackson is a toolsy prospect with a good frame and impressive movement skills for his size," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He shows some twitch and good athleticism to develop a few pass-rush moves he can win with in the NFL. He's also solid at turning speed to power and gets his hands up to bat passes at the line of scrimmage."

In 12 games last season, Jackson tallied 6.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and 57 total tackles.

While Jackson has some technical flaws that need to be fixed, the Cowboys showed in last year's draft—with the selections of Mazi Smith and Luke Schoonmaker—that they're willing to bet on projects.

Like Corum, though, Jackson is a player Dallas may have to trade up to get. He's the 139th-ranked prospect on the B/R board.

CB Andru Phillips, Kentucky

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Kentucky CB prospect Andru Phillips

Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips is a prospect Dallas might be able to land with its Round 5 compensatory pick. The 5'10", 191-pound defensive back is far from a perfect prospect, but his 4.48. speed, athleticism, willingness to tackle and special-teams ability could make him a valuable depth piece.

"He has a good blend of length and athleticism, combined with the versatility to play the outside cornerback and slot positions," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "Throughout his career, he has shown the ability to be a core special teams player."

After losing Jourdan Lewis and Trevon Diggs to injuries in 2022 and 2023, the Cowboys know that cornerback depth is important.

While Dallas has had some recent success finding defensive backs on Day 3—Pro Bowler DaRon Bland was a 2022 fifth-round pick—it may not be as fortunate in a 2024 class that lacks depth.

However, Phillips' ability to contribute on special teams would add value and allow him to benefit the Cowboys even if he can't get on the field quickly defensively.

Phillips, who recorded five passes defended and 47 tackles for the Wildcats last season, is the 194th-ranked prospect on the B/R board.