Prospects for Cowboys to Avoid in 2024 NFL Draft
While most of the NFL has been active this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys have taken a quiet approach. Dallas re-signed a few contributors, like cornerback Jourdan Lewis and running back Rico Dowdle, but has largely been idle.
The Cowboys' lone external signing was that of linebacker Eric Kendricks.
The plan, it would seem, is for Dallas to fill its needs through this month's draft. The Cowboys have seven total selections, including the 24th overall pick, but they're left with several holes.
Players who departed this offseason include running back Tony Pollard, offensive tackle Tyron Smith, center Tyler Biadasz, pass-rusher Dorance Armstrong and defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins.
For the Cowboys to accomplish their goal, they'll need to target low-risk draft prospects who can contribute right away. With this in mind, let's examine three prospects Dallas should look to avoid over draft weekend and why.
WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
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It would behoove the Cowboys to target a center, offensive tackle or guard in the first round—one option for replacing Tyron Smith will involve moving Tyler Smith from guard to tackle. However, Dallas has made a habit of doing its own thing under franchise owner and general manager Jerry Jones.
The Cowboys could use another explosive receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb, and it won't surprise anyone if Dallas plays the wild card and takes one earlier than expected.
However, LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. should be off the table even in a surprise scenario. Thomas has the tools to be a dynamic field-stretching receiver, but he lacks the polish to be a complete package as a rookie.
"Where Thomas can struggle is on routes that ask him to settle and break back to the quarterback," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "On routes like curls and comebacks, he can take a second to throttle down and work back to the quarterback
The Cowboys need players who can contribute right away, especially with head coach Mike McCarthy potentially on the hot seat. If Dallas does take an early flier on a pass-catcher, it needs to target one with a much higher floor.
Edge Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
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Taking a chance on prospects who need development shouldn't be an early option for the Cowboys. They did just that by targeting Mazi Smith and Luke Schoonmaker in 2023, and neither was a noteworthy contributor as a rookie.
While Western Michigan's Marshawn Kneeland is an intriguing Day 2 prospect, he's likely to play a limited role as a rookie.
"The Western Michigan product doesn't appear to be a good athlete, and he's a little stiff," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "That limits his pass arsenal and can make bending or turning a tight corner at the top of the rush difficult. Right now, he's pretty reliant on winning with power."
At 6'3 and 267 pounds, Kneeland has the size needed to be a rotational end in the defense of new coordinator Mike Zimmer. And Dallas could use more rotational pieces who can rush the passer. However, Kneeland's athletic limitations are very concerning, especially when the Cowboys also need to address their run defense.
Dallas ranked 16th in rushing yards allowed last season.
With no fourth-round selection and only a compensatory pick in Round 5, the Cowboys would have to reach for Kneeland, and doing so simply wouldn't make sense.
RB Jonathon Brooks, Texas
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The Cowboys need to bolster their backfield after struggling to maintain offensive balance in 2023 and losing Pollard in free agency. Prospects like Florida State's Trey Benson and Wisconsin's Braelon Allen could make sense as a complement to Dowdle and second-year back Deuce Vaughn.
Texas' Jonathon Brooks is worth middle-round consideration, but he should be avoided if Dallas is targeting a high-volume starter. He's a slight back at 6'10" and 216 pounds, and he isn't built to handle a heavy workload right away.
"He has enough quickness and speed to be a weapon," Klassen wrote. "Brooks isn't built like a true lead back, though, and he does not yet have the strength or decisiveness as a runner for that role."
Brooks would only make sense for Dallas if they double-dip at the position in the draft or sign a seasoned veteran before it—according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys are open to a reunion with longtime starter Ezekiel Elliott.
However, Dallas already has committee backs. If it's seeking its next bell-cow, Brooks shouldn't be under consideration. Role players can likely be found in veteran and unrestricted free agency after the draft.
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