Dallas Cowboys Draft 6-7 Mauler - Georgia's Amarius Mims - In NFL Mock

The Dallas Cowboys offensive line has seen multiple starters leave in free agency, and in the first round of Pro Football Network's mock draft, the franchise selects Georgia standout Amarius Mims.

Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) and offensive / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys had a host of roster needs prior to Tyron Smith leaving for the New York Jets, but when the future Hall of Famer and the Cowboys couldn't agree to a contract and Tyron walked out the door? Another need emerged.

His absence has now left a huge hole in the Cowboys' offense line as Dak Prescott's ultimate blindside protector is no more. With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, offensive line has rocketed to to the top of Dallas' draft needs.

Already needing a starting running back and linebacker to begin with, adding an offensive lineman is now perhaps the most important roster issue to address.

COO Stephen Jones admitted last week there's a "decent chance" the franchise takes an offensive lineman in the first round, with the Cowboys' likely draft hand now visible for all to see.

With so many tackles available in the draft, there is every chance that Dallas, who picks at No. 24, will be able to select their tackle to pair with Tyler Smith. In Pro Football Network's latest mock draft, Georgia mauler Amarius Mims comes to The Star.

"Amarius Mims is inexperienced, with less than a full season as a starter under his belt at Georgia, but he was dominant when healthy in Athens," PFN writes. "Mims is powerful and could slot in at right or potentially even left tackle for the Cowboys."

Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) and offensive / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Cowboys are no strangers to taking a player high in the draft despite injury issues, as Jaylon Smith's selection in 2016 springs to mind. For Mims, an ankle injury kept him out for most of the 2023 season with the Bulldogs, but despite that, his draft stock hasn't taken a hit.

Playing primarily at right tackle, due to his versatility, switching to left tackle, where Dallas has a glaring weakness, is within his wheelhouse. Whether or not the Cowboys want to keep Smith at guard and have him form a partnership with Mims is unknown as there have been rumors of Tyler moving out to tackle and Dallas drafting an interior lineman.

Given Tyron's inability to stay healthy for a full season over the last couple of years, Mims' injury history will give Dallas something to think about. But there is no denying the talent he possesses, even with his limited starts.

The Cowboys know that offensive line is a big need for the roster, and with the salary cap extremely tight, the franchise's best bet is to nail their draft selections.

If Dallas is to amount to anything in 2024 with their weakened roster, Prescott will need to stay upright - and that's made easier with the acquisition of Mims.