It feels like a foregone conclusion that the Dallas Cowboys will be picking an offensive lineman in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The team desperately needs help for the unit after losing Tyler Biadasz and Tyron Smith during free agency and after going extremely quiet in March, the 24th overall pick might be their only path toward adding an impact player in the trenches.
But when you're picking late in the first round, it's a dangerous game to fixate on one position and risk losing out on better talent elsewhere.
So the question must be asked, what if they don't take an offensive lineman? Below are five legit options the Cowboys could pick in the first round, excluding all offensive linemen.
1. DE Darius Robinson, Missouri
Robinson seems to have everything the Cowboys like in a defensive end. He's a supersized athlete with long arms (84th percentile) and stands 6-foot-5.
As if that wasn't enough, Robinson is a former DT and could provide the Cowboys with the position flex they've always loved. Robinson is a Top 30 visit and don't forget DeMarcus Lawrence is on the quietest contract year ever. Robinson is absolutely an option at 24th.
2. WR Brian Thomas, LSU
Cowboys WR coach Robert Prince was at Thomas' Pro Day at LSU and he was one of many prospects at the position the team formally met with at the NFL Scouting Combine. It's entirely possible that the Cowboys could shock the world with a WR in the first.
Thomas brings prototypical size to the table and led the FBS with 17 touchdowns in 2023. He could be a steal at 24th as he's the 18th best player per the consensus board.
3. WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Speaking of wide receivers, Mitchell could absolutely be there at 24th and considering he's drawn comparisons to CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys could be interested.
Per A to Z Sports' James Foster, Mitchell has "size, speed, & fluidity that you can't teach" and "has the body control & spatial awareness to make difficult sideline catches."
4. DT Byron Murphy, Texas
Murphy is expected to go in the Top 20 but if he drops, which is entirely possible considering how QB and OL the first round is likely going to be, the Cowboys might not be willing to pass on him.
Murphy is a Top 30 visit for the franchise and 24th would make him look like an absolute steal. Although undersized, Murphy is an explosive three-technique that could take the DL depth to another level.
5. WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
Worthy's 4.21 40-yard dash is made even more impressive when you realize he consistently shows that speed on film. He's got a masters degree in generating vertical separation and could be a game-changer on offense.
But are the Cowboys willing to bet on a very undersized prospect and pass on so many other options? He might be the unlikeliest pick on the list just because of the size concerns.
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