2024 NFL mock drafts: Who will the Dallas Cowboys take in latest projections?

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) walks off the field against the Green Bay Packers after the 2024 NFC wild card game at AT&T Stadium.

Fresh off a devastating loss in the Wild Card Round, the Dallas Cowboys need to take a hard look in the mirror and say “Okay, but this time, it really will be our year.” However, this is the NFL, manifestation through repeating mantras doesn’t work. If the Cowboys really want to break through and reach the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1995, there will need to be some changes, and that starts with the draft.

Despite being one of the most complete teams in the NFL last season, there are still several areas where the Cowboys could improve. The most notable area of concern is running back. Last year, Tony Pollard was supposed to emerge as a star lead back. Unfortunately, he could not handle a feature back’s workload. Right now, Dallas’ backfield consists of Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and Royce Freeman – three less-than-stellar options.

However, Dallas could also improve up front on their offensive line. Outside of left tackle Tyler Smith and right guard Zack Martin, the Cowboys’ O-line is not where they want it to be. The losses of both longtime left tackle Tyron Smith and center Tyler Biadisz only make the need for new big men more prevalent.

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The talent at halfback in this year’s class is abundant toward the back half. The team could likely find a suitable athlete on Day 2 or Day 3. Offensive line is a different story, however. Top-end talent on the offensive line rarely goes amiss at the NFL level, and with how top-heavy this year’s class is, it seems unlikely the Cowboys wait until Day 2 to secure themselves up front.

Here are the latest expert predictions on who the Cowboys will take in the first round.

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Bleacher Report: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

The B/R NFL Scouting Department put together a three-round mock recently that believes the Cowboys will take Georgia tackle Amarius Mims in the first round. They write, “Dallas has been ahead of the curve in offensive line evaluation and development going back decades, consistently investing in the position with premium draft capital and hitting on those investments. While Mims’ eight career starts clouds the picture with his projection to the NFL, the tools and natural ability are clearly in place to become a high-end starting tackle over time, and the Cowboys are in desperate need of those traits at left tackle.”

ESPN: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Mel Kiper believes the Cowboys will go the offensive line direction as well. Guyton’s incredible athleticism, solid hands, and great fundamentals make him a safer pick than Mims, but someone who might not have the same ceiling. Considering the Cowboys are still a phenomenal team with Super Bowl aspirations, perhaps playing it safe and not risking a potential project player is the way to go.

NFL.com: Jonathan Brooks, RB, Texas

Chad Reuter writes, “Brooks’ story (and game) reminds me of Todd Gurley, who suffered an ACL injury in November of his final season at Georgia and wound up a top-10 pick the following April. Despite the injury, Gurley carried the ball 1,265 times and caught 218 passes in his first five pro seasons. Dallas could view Brooks as that sort of workhorse because of his combination of power and agility.”

CBS Sports: Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon

Chris Trapasso writes, “The Cowboys go best player available, and JPJ will move people in the run game and anchor in pass pro with the best of them.”

Sports Illustrated: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Luke Easterling believes Mims will be the selection for Dallas at 24. Mims is obviously a physically-gifted player. However, his lack of experience makes Mims a much riskier selection than other players going at similar ranges. The Cowboys could be willing to go big or go home, and based on these projections, there’s a good chance that is exactly what they are thinking.

How to watch the 2024 NFL Draft:

When: April 25-27, 2024

Time: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT

Where: Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan

Cable: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network

Streaming: NFL+, ESPN+, Hulu+ Live TV, FuboTV

Watch the Draft: Catch the NFL Draft and more with a Fubo subscription

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 NFL mock drafts: Who will the Dallas Cowboys take in latest projections?