Do Cowboys Need to Draft ‘New Gilmore’ Next Year?

In ESPN's first 2024 NFL mock draft, the Dallas Cowboys select cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. out of Florida

Over the last few years, the Dallas Cowboys have had some good success in the NFL Draft.

Some of Dallas' greatest recent success stories have come from the first round, including stars such as receiver CeeDee Lamb and linebacker Micah Parsons. The Cowboys have also had success in later rounds too, drafting key players such as cornerback Trevon Diggs and running back Tony Pollard. 

Strong drafting is often how championship teams are built, and the Cowboys seem to understand that.

Dallas is hoping to find some more gems in its 2023 draft class, but also looking ahead to the 2024 draft. After all, the draft cycle has evolved into a year-long process, and the hype for the 2024 class is in full effect.

ESPN recently released its first 2024 mock draft, and in said mock draft, the Cowboys select Florida Gators cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. at No. 27 overall.

"Stephon Gilmore -- who is turning 33 and entering the final year of his contract -- doesn't seem to be in the Cowboys' long-term plans, and Trevon Diggs is likely to become expensive in the near future," ESPN writes. That is to say the Cowboys may be relying on drafting well in the secondary behind Diggs.”

Currently, the secondary doesn't appear to be much of a concern for Dallas. The Cowboys traded for Gilmore this offseason, forming one of the NFL's best corner duos with him and Diggs. They also have a strong nickel corner in DaRon Bland, plus three solid safeties in Malik Hooker, Jordan Lewis and Donovan Wilson.

In the near future, though, the Cowboys' secondary could look very different. Five of the six players listed are entering the final year of their deals, with Wilson being the lone exception. If some of those players end up leaving, then depth could become a major concern.

That's where Marshall could potentially come in. The Gators corner started all 13 games last season, recording 29 tackles, nine passes defended and an interception, and his long frame creates matchup problems. The Miami native was a five-star recruit coming out of high school in 2021, with 247Sports ranking him as the third-best corner in the country.

The Cowboys do have other needs to address soon. Particularly, the offensive line could use some reinforcement with Tyron Smith and Zack Martin getting older, as well as questions elsewhere. Until the contract situation clears up, though, the secondary - for the future - remains a valid concern. 

If Marshall is available when Dallas is on the clock, he could become a very valuable addition in the secondary.

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You can find Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News

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