The Dallas Cowboys' 2024 NFL Draft class is set in stone after making eight picks over the weekend.
Now that we can kick back and relax while the Cowboys do their thing finding steals in undrafted free agency. let's have some fun with three post-draft overreactions!
1. Cowboys upgraded at center by drafting zero snaps of center experience
The Cowboys didn't grab a center in the 2024 NFL Draft... at least not exactly. Third-round draft pick Cooper Beebe played tackle and guard at Kansas State but will be asked to learn how to play center to compete for a starting role with Brock Hoffman.
Although losing Tyler Biadasz in free agency hurt, I made the argument early in the offseason that the Cowboys should look to upgrade at the position going into the 2024 NFL season. Beebe's power and nasty style of play could be exactly what takes the running game to the next level.
There might be some growing pains ahead for Beebe, who will face the challenge of learning how to snap the ball while adjusting to playing in the NFL with sub-32-inch arms, but I believe he's got what it takes.
2. DeMarcus Lawrence will play his last season as a Cowboy in 2024
The Cowboys picking edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland in the second round was a reflection of an overlooked reality: The team's need at the position was very overlooked.
There's little depth behind Micah Parsons and Lawrence and the latter is playing on a contract year. Kneeland, in turn, compares well to him as a player with length that thrives as a run defender. Considering the deals the Cowboys need to take care of (Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb), the team might be preparing for life after Lawrence, a four-time Pro Bowler, with this selection.
3. Not taking a running back will matter... only slightly
The one big need the team didn't address at all in the draft was running back.
The Cowboys haven't been shy about their intentions of potentially reuniting with Ezekiel Elliott and Dallas Morning News reported during the draft that a deal was expected even if the team picked a running back in the second round.
But I don't expect Zeke to be the fix to the running game woes. Instead, what will matter in the end is the Cowboys getting a "nasty" center like Beebe and keeping Tyler Smith at left guard. Cowboys should be fine with their RB committee which is expected to add Zeke.
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