Dallas Cowboys Biggest Offseason Needs - 2024 NFL Outlook

February 19, 2024

What should the Dallas Cowboys do in the offseason? What are the team's biggest needs for 2024 free agency? Who could they target in the NFL Draft?

The Dallas Cowboys surely had their ups and downs during the 2023-2024 season. They lost to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3 and were blown out 42-10 by the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5. However, after that Week 5 loss, Dallas won seven of its next eight games to leapfrog the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East standings. 

The Cowboys only went 2-2 in the final four games of the regular season, though, they entered the playoffs as one of the hottest teams. They finished as the number two seed in the NFC but eventually lost in the Wild Card round to the Green Bay Packers. 

So, Dallas now enters the offseason looking to upgrade its roster. What are the Cowboys' biggest offseason needs? Who should they target in the 2024 NFL Draft?

What Are The Dallas Cowboys Biggest Offseason Needs?

The Cowboys already have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. However, they still need help in several areas, including running back, offensive line, and defensive line. 

Running backs Tony Pollard -- who played on the franchise tag in 2023 -- and Rico Dowdle are both free agents this offseason. That means sixth-round rookie Deuce Vaughn is the only active back on the roster. It remains to be seen if Dallas plans to re-sign Pollard, grab a veteran like Derrick Henry in free agency, or select one in the draft. Either way, though, it's a clear need. 

Micah Parsons hopes Cowboys get "nasty interior" lineman, would give Tony Pollard "another shot"https://t.co/2peg1LrkIU pic.twitter.com/Pkarli034o

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 18, 2024

The Cowboys also need help on both the offensive and defensive lines this upcoming season. Tackle Tyron Smith and center Tyler Biadasz are both free agents, while right tackle Terence Steele is coming off a subpar year. The defensive line might be the biggest weak spot for the team, so adding any valuable player at this position would be a big boost. On top of that, starting defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins is a free agent. 

Who Should The Cowboys Target In The NFL Draft?

The Cowboys will first pick 24th overall after losing in the first round of the playoffs. At this spot, there are a lot of different routes the team can go. However, improving the offensive line seems like the best-case scenario. 

The most likely selection for the Cowboys across multiple mock drafts has been offensive tackle Amarius Mims from Georgia. Mims does make the most sense here at 24. Dallas would also be getting a stud in the first round, standing at 6-foot-7, 340 pounds. 

However, don't be surprised if the Cowboys go elsewhere in the first round. A linebacker like Edgerrin Cooper from Texas A&M could make sense at pick 24 too. Dallas' linebacker group struggled in 2023, and Cooper played his college ball right there in Texas. 

Edgerrin Cooper will continue to climb up draft boards. The Texas A&M prospect (#45) is your prototypical modern linebacker with an ideal frame, length, athleticism, and versatility. As a run defender, he is quick to trigger downhill and has a wide tackling radius. pic.twitter.com/nNiEjvUrLX

— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) February 18, 2024

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