Cowboys' Biggest Questions to Answer in 2024 NFL Preseason
The Dallas Cowboys will finally put on the pads and see live game action against a real opponent in less than two weeks.
Granted, the preseason opener is a mere taste of real football. It isn't likely that we will see the Cowboys biggest stars suit up and contribute against the Los Angeles Rams in the preseason opener.
That doesn't mean we won't get the answers to some important questions. The preseason is just one tool that teams use to evaluate their roster and work out the kinks before the regular season begins. However, there are still things to glean from the games.
With that in mind, here are three questions that the Cowboys should be looking answer through their three-game preseason slate.
Do They Need to Add a Running Back?
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The Cowboys running back situation is one of the points of intrigue in the preseason. The team parted ways with Ezekiel Elliot last season, but he's back in the fold after Tony Pollard left for the Tennessee Titans in free agency.
As it stands, Elliott and Rico Dowdle look like the two running backs atop the depth chart. Elliott did not rejuvenate his career with the New England Patriots last season, but he still wound up with nearly 1,000 scrimmage yards because of sheer volume. He had 184 carries and 65 targets.
Ideally, Elliott will be a larger part of the offense but younger backs will step in as the season goes on.
The preseason games will be a good stage for younger backs like Deuce Vaughn, Snoop Conner and Malik Davis to lay claim to a roster spot and a role on offense. If none of them pop on film then the Cowboys should consider adding a free agent, trade target or waiver wire addition as teams cut players.
Is Cooper Beebe Ready to Start?
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The Cowboys haven't had to worry much about the center position for the last three years. Tyler Biadasz was a consistent presence at the pivot. The Cowboys really haven't had to worry about too many other spots with Tyron Smith, Zack Martin and Terence Steele serving as mainstays on the offensive line.
That will change this season. The Cowboys drafted Tyler Guyton to play left tackle after letting Tyron Smith leave in free agency and they followed it up by drafting Cooper Beebe in the third round.
As a first-round pick, it would seem like Guyton is expected to start by Week 1. This was a loaded class of offensive tackles and the former Sooner going in the first round is going to raise expectations.
But the Cowboys doubled back on offensive line with the Beebe selection in the third round. Going by the B/R big board. The Kansas State lineman was ranked 29th overall by our scouting department.
Now Beebe us competing with Brock Hoffman for the starting center job. It would be a positive sign for the pick in general if Beebe is able to win the job during the preseason.
Is Jalen Tolbert Really Going to Break out?
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CeeDee Lamb is one of the best receivers in the game. Brandin Cooks is a trustworthy, dependable No. 2 receiver. Jake Ferguson offers a strong pass-catching tight end.
But if this Cowboys offense is going to be even better than last year's version they have to have a third wide receiver who emegere. Jalen Tolbert was in perfect position to take that role and run with it in his second season.
Instead, he frustrated Cowboys fans and fantasy managers alike with just 22 receptions for 268 yards and just two touchdowns. Michael Gallup helped make up for Tolbert falling short of expectations. He had 34 receptions for 418 yards.
Gallup left for the Raiders in free agency before ultimately retiring. So it's once again on Jalen Tolbert to not only earn the role, but prove he can help take the offense to the next level.
A few strong performances from Tolbert in free agency would quiet any concerns.
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