Dallas Cowboys Draft: Receiver vs. Linebacker Bigger Roster Priority?

With significant free agent losses on both sides of the ball, what position group with the Dallas Cowboys prioritize for the upcoming NFL Draft?

Jul 26, 2022; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy (left) and owner Jerry Jones at / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys have been suspiciously quiet this offseason after owner and general manager Jerry Jones signaled an "all-in" mentality heading into 2024.

After missing out on big name free agent signings, Dallas will need to fill holes at wide receiver and linebacker at some point, and that could come in the draft. Last season, the Cowboys' leading receiver was CeeDee Lamb, who led the team with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards with 12 touchdowns.

Jul 26, 2022; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy (left) and owner Jerry Jones at / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Brandin Cooks lined up opposite Lamb and registered 657 yards on 54 catches and eight scores, but was never the deep threat that Dallas hoped he would be. Michael Gallup was a salary cap casualty and cut this offseason, and 2022 third-round pick Jalen Tolbert is just inching toward impressing since arriving in Dallas.

The Cowboys could want to add depth to the receiver's room in this year's draft, which is wideout-heavy. Dallas could most likely find a suitable Gallup replacement in the second round, where the Cowboys select No. 56 overall.

The only outside free agent that Dallas has signed this offseason is linebacker Eric Kendricks on a one-year deal. But with the retirement of Leighton Vander Esch, the Cowboys are still thin at linebacker. ...

Specifically, maybe, for all Kendricks might add, a run-stopping linebacker. Last season, Dallas ranked 16th in the league, allowing 112.4 rushing yards per game, with maybe the biggest failure of the season coming against Green Bay in the playoffs.

Packers running back Aaron Jones carried for 118 yards on 21 carries and three touchdowns, while Green Bay totaled 143 rushing yards, dashing the Cowboys' Super Bowl hopes.

To be sure, Dallas also needs help in the offensive line and at defensive tackle. So while this is a relatively good roster, holes are obvious.

Damone Clark, DeMarvion Overshown and Kendricks will be the mainstays in 2024, but that's not enough. Kendricks is only signed through 2024 and Dallas will need to add some depth and some long-term solutions at linebacker. ... a conclusion we come to based on the hope that young Tolbert or young Jalen Brooks step up to fill an offensive void.