Cowboys' 6 biggest remaining needs heading into Day 2 of NFL Draft

With the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft officially in the books, the Dallas Cowboys still have a lot of needs to attend to entering the second and third rounds. The good news is they've picked up an additional third rounder to address them. 

These picks will be crucial for their success as they still have a legit shot at landing starters or significant contributors to the roster.

Let's take a look at the team's biggest remaining needs after picking Tyler Guyton at 29th overall on Thursday night following a trade down with the Detroit Lions. 

1. Center 

After passing on a center in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Cowboys could still fix their need in the second round but it will take some luck.

If they fail to land somebody, it might be up to Brock Hoffman or T.J. Bass to step up at the position Tyler Biadasz left open.

Potential options: Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon), Zach Frazier (West Virginia), Sedrick Van Pran (Georgia), Tanor Bortoloni (Wisconsin)

2. Wide Receiver

Even though most people are focused on offensive line and other defensive needs, the Cowboys need wide receiver depth for 2024 and beyond. Brandin Cooks, 30 years old, is in a contract year and Jalen Tolbert is still a question mark.

In an 11 personnel league, you can never have enough wide receivers. The second round might be the best spot to pick in terms of value of this year's class.

Potential options: Troy Franklin (Oregon), Malachi Corley (WKU), Keon Coleman (FSU), Ja'Lynn Polk (Washington), Jermaine Burton (Alabama)

3. Linebacker

The Cowboys signed Eric Kendricks in free agency and have DeMarvion Overshown ready to return from injury and both will join Damone Clark in a thin LB room.

Adding a Day 2 linebacker is a huge possibility as many worthy players should be available in the second round. There will also be some value in the third and fourth round later on.

Potential options: Edgerrin Cooper (Texas A&M), Payton Wilson (N.C. State), Junior Colson (Michigan) 

4. Defensive Tackle

The Cowboys currently have Mazi Smith as their only legit bet on a nose tackle and even their three-technique depth is thin despite having a high-end starter in Osa Odighizuwa. Having a top-tier iDL group goes a long way in making linebacker play look much better.

Potential options: Kris Jenkins (Michigan), Mekhi Wingo (LSU), Ruke Orhorhoro (Clemson), Maason Smith (LSU)

5. Running Back

It's true: The Cowboys have no starting running back on the roster and they absolutely need to address the need in this year's draft. This could be higher up on the list but only drops this far for me because of positional value.

A lot has been made about the Cowboys very likely picking Jonathon Brooks at 56th overall. If that doesn't happen there will be more options later on, however. Question is if they'll get a RB1 or someone to add to their current committee led by Rico Dowdle.

Potential options: Jonathon Brooks (Texas), Trey Benson (FSU), Jaylen Wright (Tennessee), Blake Corum (Michigan)

6. EDGE

You can never have enough edge rushers in the NFL. Although the Cowboys have Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence are one of the best starting duos in the league, depth could drastically improve after losing Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency.

Only Sam Williams has significant experience in the current EDGE room.

Potential options: Chris Braswell (Alabama), Marshawn Kneeland (Western Michigan), Bralen Trice (Washington)