The Dallas Cowboys’ disappointing Wild Card Round defeat versus the Green Bay Packers brought an end to another promising season. They received some financial respite as they prepared for the 2024 NFL season when the league revealed the salary ceiling of $255.4 million.

Thus, the Cowboys’ cap excess is merely $9.9 million. With a reduced deficit, they can still have a competitive squad, but they rιsk losing some important players to free agency. They will thus have to deal with any possible departures via the NFL Draft in 2024.

Here’s how the Cowboys’ 2024 draft may go depending on whether spots are in Ԁire need of reinforcements or improvements. Except for the fourth round, Sportskeeda’s Mock Draft Simulator assisted in selecting Dallas’ seven selections.

Round 1, Pick 24: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OC, Oregon

Former center Jackson Powers-Johnson of OregonCenter Tyler Biadasz, a Pro Bowler, is a free agent who will get interest from several organizations. Although they have Dakoda Shepley and Brock Hoffman as backups, their rotation might need some improvement.Powers-Johnson, who played 13 games for the Oregon Ducks during his junior season, was named a 2023 Unanimous All-American. In addition, as the top center in college football, he was awarded the Rimington Trophy. The Dallas Cowboys acquired a tackle who can command the line of scrimmage and determine how other оffensive linemen must respond on every play by selecting him in the first round.

Dallas Cowboys 7round 2024 NFL mock draft – Day 2

Round 2, Pick 56: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan

Junior Colson, a former linebacker for MichiganMicah Parsons plays linebacker for the Cowboys, although his primary role is pass rusher rather than cover man. If they lose him, their options for linebackers are limited to Damone Clark, Buddy Johnson, Markquese Bell, and Leighton Vander Esch.By selecting Junior Colson, a two-time member of the Second Team All-Big Ten who helped the Michigan Wolverines win a National Championship the previous season, the Dallas Cowboys may strengthen their linebacker rotation. Colson can cover distance quickly enough, particularly if he has to cover additional land.His ability to surveil the quarterback and enable him to respond swiftly to the ball is excellent. For the Cowboys to cover the center of the field, Colson is the perfect linebacker. Ultimately, over his three seasons with the Wolverines, he recorded 256 tackles.

Round 3, Pick 87: Will Shipley, RB, Clemson

Will Shipley, a former Clemson running back, and Dabo Sweeney, the head coach of the TigersThe previous season, the Cowboys were 14th in terms of running yards per game (112.9). Rico Dowdle came in a distant second with 361 running yards, while Tony Pollard barely made it to 1,000 yards (1,005) despite that reasonably remarkable placement. More significantly, once the 2024 calendar year begins, they will be free agents.By choosing Will Shipley with this choice, the Dallas Cowboys are able to give their offense more balance. Over his three seasons at Clemson, he averaged 916 yards and 10.3 touchdowns passing. The North Carolina native, who finished with 1,182 running yards and 15 touchdowns, was named to the First Team All-American for 2022.Although Shipley’s injuries sustained during his junior year at Clemson may be a reason for worry, the Cowboys will gain from his quickness and ability to exploit his small size to burst through tight spaces.

Dallas Cowboys 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft – Day 3

Round 5, Pick 173: Eric Gregory, DT, Arkansas

Eric Gregory, a former defensive lineman from ArkansasThe Cowboys roster includes five defensive tackles. But Neville Gallimore and Jonathan Hankins might depart the squad in free agency, leaving Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith, and Chauncey Gholston on the roster.Gregory utilizes his upper body power to draw double teams or split them in order to rush the quarterback, which makes him a valuable asset to the Dallas Cowboys. In addition, he is a competent run-blocker who fights оffensive lineman with excellent hand placement.

Round 6, Pick 213: Woodi Washingtоn, CB, Oklahoma

Woodi Washingtоn, a former cornerback for OklahomaStephon Gilmore, Jourdan Lewis, and Noah Igbinoghene are the free agents for this season. Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland could be able to start on both sides if they left, but they would still need more cornerbacks to defend wide formations and empty backfield scenarios.They have Woodi Washingtоn selected due of his exceptional route reading ability during zone coverages. Another defensive back that can match slot receivers step-by-step will be acquired by the Dallas Cowboys. He may also be used as a blitzer by defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to trιck opposing quarterbacks.

Round 7, Pick 231: Sione Vaki, S, Utah

Sione Vaki, a former safety and running back for the Utah Utes, was dubbed “the most interesting player in the 2024 NFL Draft Class” by Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus because of his versatility. After injuries limited their options in the backfield, he lined up as a running back in addition to playing safety.He might be used anyway the Dallas Cowboys see appropriate. Vaki, however, is a dependable zone defender who can handle large receivers in man coverage. He is a muscular stopper of runs, particularly in sweeps and edges. Like Washingtоn, he has his moments as a potent blitzer.

Round 7, Pick 242: Logan Brown, OT, Kansas

Logan Brown, a former оffensive lineman for KansasTyron Smith and Chuma Edoga, both оffensive tackles, are set to become unrestricted free agents. Smith is expected to attract high bids. The Dallas Cowboys may fill the vacuum if they both go by selecting Brown in the draft. Even though he spent his last season playing for the Jayhawks, his time at Wisconsin is the strongest indicator of his potential.Playing either left or right tackle, Brown’s 335 snap total included three quarterback hurries, four quarterback hits, and no sacks. His strong running style and determination will be an asset to the Cowboys as a run blocker.