"I Don't Understand!' Dallas Cowboys Plan Ripped by NFL Exec; Double-Up On Linemen in Draft?

Amidst a quiet free agency period, the Dallas Cowboys have come under scrutiny from an NFC scouting director.

Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones walks off the field after Week 18 against the Washington Commanders. / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys entered this offseason seeking a few pieces to help get themselves over the proverbial playoff hump.

But with free agency underway for over a month and the 2024 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Cowboys have made more headlines for what they haven't done - add impact players.

And according to ESPN, one anonymous director of scouting from an NFL team is perplexed by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' plan and sudden emphasis on putting the entire offseason on the success of the draft class.

"I don't really understand the plan there so far this offseason, but there's a lot weighing on this draft, and they seem to be confident about finding a bunch of starters," the director of scouting told ESPN.

Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones walks off the field after Week 18 against the Washington Commanders. / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

So, how does Dallas overcome a slow free agency that now has it needing solutions on the offensive line, a bell cow running back and a long-term answer at quarterback should Dak Prescott's contract situation continue trending as it is?

Evidently, Jones and staff are putting all of their eggs into the draft's basket - and could look to improve the offensive line early and often starting April 25.

"Graham Barton (Duke) and Jackson Powers-Johnson would be plug-and-play options along the interior, and drafting either would allow Tyler Smith to move to left tackle," ESPN writes. "But don't sleep on Dallas doubling up and selecting two offensive linemen early in the draft.

"Cooper Beebe (Kansas State) and Dominick Puni (Kansas) are Day 2 options who have the potential to be early starters."

The Cowboys, who own the No. 24 overall selection and have two other picks - No. 56 and No. 87 - in the top 100, have the capital needed to make a push. They're also coming off a draft class in which early returns weren't overly promising.

But if Dallas is to finally breakthrough in the postseason, it needs to get this year's draft right - especially with a confusing free agency plan that's ultimately left Jones and staff with no other choice.