Dallas Cowboys Draft Two Big 12 Stars In Mel Kiper New Mock

Will the Cowboys address some key offensive needs early in the draft?

Apr 28, 2011; New York, NY, USA; ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City / Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 NFL Draft is officially less than two weeks away. After a pretty quiet offseason for the Dallas Cowboys thus far, how will they fare in the draft? Dallas still has multiple needs, including some starting roles, that still need to be filled.

Mel Kiper Jr., one of the NFL’s most respected draft pundits, released an updated mock draft this week. Which prospects did the Cowboys lock in on during Kiper’s two-round exercise? Let’s dive into it.

Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (OL31) during the 2024 / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 24 — Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Guyton continues to be a hot name in draft circles connected to Dallas. And with Tyron Smith’s departure, plus the depth at tackle this year, it makes sense to take a high upside swing on someone like Guyton.

Guyton is extremely athletic for his position, and he would pair well alongside Tyler Smith on the left side. However, does Dallas view Smith more as a tackle now compared to guard? We will officially have our answer when the Cowboys get on the clock at No. 24 overall.

“This has to be a tackle, right? Tyron Smith is gone, and Tyler Smith, a first-round pick in 2022, has played extremely well at left guard,” Kiper wrote. “Would Dallas move Tyler Smith outside and take the risk that he’s only an above-average left tackle? If I was he general manager, I’d take Guyton, one of the most physically impressive players in this class. At 6-foot-7, 322 pounds, he moves like a tight end. He played mostly right tackle in college, but he could make the move to Dak Prescott’s blind side for the Cowboys.”

Guyton is a true boom-or-bust type of player. If his production matches the traits, this has the chance to be a home run selection for Dallas.

Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks (24) jumps over Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie / Ricardo Brazziell / USA TODAY NETWORK

No. 56 — Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas

A running back, especially in the second round? In terms of overall value for the position, it might seem head-scratching. The rebuttal for Brooks, though, is his pure explosiveness and versatility.

Not only would Brooks step right into the Cowboys’ starting running back role, but there’s real opportunity for high volume as well. Similarly to Tony Pollard, Brooks would be able to help Dallas in the run and pass game.

“This has been a popular pairing based on Dallas’ offseason plan at running back,” Kiper wrote. “It doesn’t have a lead back on its roster. Brooks, who rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns before tearing an ACL in November, has the tools to be an impact player as a rookie. He showed some upside as a pass-catcher, too. He’s my top-ranked back.”

The running back class this year doesn’t have much depth to it, but Brooks is the rare standout. A Texas Longhorn staying in the state is a fun angle, too.