Dallas Cowboys 2024 Mock Draft: Building a Super Bowl Contender Through the NFL Draft
The Dallas Cowboys have consistently been one of the most talked-about teams in the NFL, but their championship aspirations have often fallen short in recent years. Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, the franchise has a unique opportunity to build a team capable of making a deep playoff run and ultimately competing for a Super Bowl title. Through smart draft selections and strategic roster additions, the Cowboys can strengthen their weaknesses and solidify their strengths. This article will analyze their 2024 draft picks, assess their impact, and project how the team can continue to develop into a legitimate contender.
2024 NFL Draft Recap: Cowboys’ Selections and Their Impact
The Dallas Cowboys focused on fortifying their offensive and defensive lines in the 2024 NFL Draft while also adding depth to key positions. Below is a recap of their selections:
- Round 1 (29th overall): Tyler Guyton, Tackle, Oklahoma
- Round 2 (56th overall): Marshawn Kneeland, Edge Rusher, Western Michigan
- Round 3 (73rd overall): Cooper Beebe, Offensive Lineman, Kansas State
- Round 3 (87th overall): Marist Liufau, Linebacker, Notre Dame
- Round 5 (174th overall): Caelen Carson, Cornerback, Wake Forest
- Round 6 (216th overall): Ryan Flournoy, Wide Receiver, Southeast Missouri State
- Round 7 (233rd overall): Nathan Thomas, Tackle, Louisiana
- Round 7 (244th overall): Justin Rogers, Defensive Interior, Auburn
First-Round Pick: Tyler Guyton (Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma)
With their first-round pick, the Cowboys selected Tyler Guyton, a talented and athletic offensive tackle from Oklahoma. The decision to draft Guyton was driven by the team’s need to bolster their offensive line and ensure quarterback Dak Prescott is well-protected. Guyton brings a combination of size, agility, and technique, making him an ideal candidate to step into a starting role in the near future. With veteran Tyron Smith no longer at his peak, Guyton could become a foundational piece of the Cowboys’ offensive line for years to come.
Second-Round Pick: Marshawn Kneeland (Edge Rusher, Western Michigan)
The Cowboys prioritized defense in the second round by selecting Marshawn Kneeland, an explosive edge rusher from Western Michigan. Kneeland’s ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and create pressure on the edge adds valuable depth to a defensive front led by Micah Parsons. With Dan Quinn’s defensive schemes relying on relentless pass rushers, Kneeland’s presence provides the Cowboys with another weapon to attack opposing offenses.
Third-Round Picks: Cooper Beebe (Offensive Lineman) & Marist Liufau (Linebacker)
Cooper Beebe, an interior offensive lineman from Kansas State, was a smart addition in the third round. His versatility allows him to play both guard and center, making him an asset in case of injuries or lineup adjustments. Beebe is known for his strong technique and ability to open up lanes in the running game, which could prove beneficial for the Cowboys’ ground attack.
Marist Liufau, a linebacker from Notre Dame, brings much-needed depth to the linebacker corps. With Leighton Vander Esch dealing with injury concerns in recent years, Liufau could develop into a key rotational player who strengthens the middle of the defense. His ability to read plays and react quickly makes him a valuable asset in both run defense and pass coverage.
Later-Round Picks: Depth and Developmental Prospects
The Cowboys continued to address their secondary needs by selecting cornerback Caelen Carson in the fifth round. Carson’s ability to play in both man and zone coverage gives the team flexibility in the defensive backfield. In the later rounds, they picked up wide receiver Ryan Flournoy, offensive tackle Nathan Thomas, and defensive tackle Justin Rogers. These selections provide valuable depth and competition in training camp.
2025 Mock Draft Projections: What’s Next for the Cowboys?
As the Cowboys look toward the 2025 NFL Draft, they must continue building a roster that can compete with the league’s elite. Based on current needs and future projections, here’s a look at a possible 2025 mock draft for Dallas:
- Round 1: Luther Burden III, Wide Receiver, Missouri
- Round 2: Trey Benson, Running Back, Florida State
- Round 3: Sedrick Van Pran, Interior Offensive Lineman, Georgia
Round 1 Target: Luther Burden III (Wide Receiver, Missouri)
The Cowboys may look to add an explosive playmaker at wide receiver in the 2025 draft, and Missouri’s Luther Burden III could be an ideal fit. Burden has demonstrated elite route-running ability, hands, and speed, making him a potential game-changer for the Dallas offense. With CeeDee Lamb already established as a top receiver, adding Burden would create a dynamic duo capable of challenging any secondary in the league.
Round 2 Target: Trey Benson (Running Back, Florida State)
Dallas has struggled to find a true workhorse running back since parting ways with Ezekiel Elliott. Trey Benson offers the power, vision, and receiving skills necessary to thrive in the Cowboys’ offensive system. His ability to contribute on all three downs makes him an attractive option to complement Tony Pollard.
Round 3 Target: Sedrick Van Pran (Interior Offensive Lineman, Georgia)
Protecting Prescott should remain a priority for the Cowboys, and adding an interior lineman like Sedrick Van Pran would provide much-needed depth to the offensive line. Van Pran has been a key component of Georgia’s dominant offensive line, showcasing his ability to handle both pass protection and run blocking effectively.
Key Strategic Considerations for the Cowboys’ Future
As the Cowboys continue building toward a championship, several key factors should influence their draft and roster decisions:
- Strengthening the Offensive Line – Keeping Prescott upright and improving the running game is crucial. Drafting linemen with high upside should remain a priority.
- Defensive Playmakers – The Cowboys’ defense has shown flashes of greatness, but additional playmakers at linebacker and in the secondary can elevate them further.
- Skill Position Enhancements – While Lamb is an elite receiver, finding a strong complementary wideout and a reliable running back should be high on the team’s priority list.
- Long-Term Quarterback Planning – While Prescott remains the starter, the Cowboys must consider drafting and developing a quarterback for the future.
Final Thoughts: Can the Cowboys Build a Super Bowl Contender?
The Dallas Cowboys have taken significant steps toward assembling a roster capable of making a deep playoff run. Their 2024 draft selections have reinforced key positions, while projections for 2025 suggest further improvements to their offensive and defensive units. If the front office continues to make smart decisions and add the right pieces, the Cowboys could finally break their Super Bowl drought and establish themselves as legitimate contenders.
As the season progresses, fans will eagerly watch how the new rookies develop and how the Cowboys’ draft strategy unfolds in the years ahead. One thing is certain: with the right moves, Dallas has the potential to reclaim its place among the NFL’s elite.
