NFL Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys Add Protection for QB Dak Prescott?

The Dallas Cowboys could look toward the offensive line to start their 2024 NFL Draft.

Jeremy Brener | Feb 10, 2024

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The Dallas Cowboys have a number of needs going into this offseason, but how will they start their 2024 NFL Draft class?

Sports Illustrated ran its latest mock draft and slated Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton.

"Dallas needs help at multiple spots along the offensive line, and potential departures in free agency could make those needs even more dire," SI writes. "Barton has done most of his work at tackle for the Blue Devils, but his ability to play all five positions in the offensive trenches would make him an ideal pick for the Cowboys."

The Dallas front office has opted for players who have positional versatility early on in the draft in recent years like Micah Parsons and Tyler Smith, so Barton would fit the mold of a potential Cowboys pick.

With Tyler Biadasz hitting free agency and Zack Martin entering his age-34 season, adding a player who can play on the interior offensive line would be a smart move for the Cowboys. Tyron Smith is also turning 34 and his best years with the Cowboys are likely behind him. Barton wouldn't necessarily have to play immediately, but he could be ready at a moment's notice if he was called upon.

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Given the team's needs to spend elsewhere, including a new extension for Dak Prescott, they are going to have to draft well at the offensive line, which means the chances the team goes to the trenches to start off their draft are pretty high going into the new year.

Published Feb 10, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.