Cowboys Predicted to Make 'Bold Move' in NFL Draft; A Trade After Free Agency Flop?

Should the Cowboys making a "bold" move up in the NFL Draft to address a huge hole in their roster?

FRISCO - Are the Dallas Cowboys making an NFL Free Agency quiet mistake? The Cowboys were the only team in the league to not make a move on day one of free agency, and have since have re-signed long snapper Trent Sieg to a one-year deal and finally opened their free agency account to sign linebacker Eric Kendricks.

But "big moves''? These aren't those.

A bundle of teams addressed their offseason needs in the open market this week. Meanwhile, the lack of moves by Dallas might just have a major impact on the NFL Draft and how the Cowboys approach it.

Dallas' draft-and-develop mentality leaves some fans (and Cowboys' family members) frustrated. However, Sports Illustrated's latest mock draft has the Cowboys making a "bold" move up to address a huge hole in their roster. 

In a projected trade with the Denver Broncos, Dallas would draft Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the No. 12 pick. 

"It looks like the Tyron Smith era is over in Dallas, which means it’s time for the Cowboys to find a new blind-side protector for Dak Prescott," Writes SI. "Even in a fairly deep offensive tackle class, the Cowboys might be tempted to make a bold move up if a high-upside prospect like Fashanu is still on the board here."

Per scouts ... Fashanu is a prototypical left tackle with length and athleticism. Widely-regarded as a first-round pick, Fashanu did suffer a thigh injury at the NFL Combine 40-yard dash that caused an early exit from drills. Fashanu is expected to be healthy in time to participate in the Nittany Lions' pro day on March 15. 

The premium position of left tackle may just top Dallas' roster needs heading into the 2024 season. ... with the "door open'' to Tyron Smith to return a maybe possibility.

There is a lot of work to be done in Dallas to retool a roster that hopes to be a title contender in year four under coach Mike McCarthy with quarterback Dak Prescott. If Dallas does not re-sign Smith or add a veteran tackle in free agency, a projected trade up may make sense. 

The Cowboys currently have seven picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is scheduled to be held in Detroit from April 25-27. Dallas has a first-round pick at No. 24 overall.