'Premier deep threat' named ideal first draft pick for Cowboys

The Cowboys currently own the No. 24 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and with one of the more complete rosters in the league, they can choose the best player available.

That is why Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman believes Dallas' ideal first pick should be LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to strengthen QB Dak Prescott's arsenal.

"Dallas' offense started humming when speedsters Brandin Cooks and Kavontae Turpin threatened safeties enough to give CeeDee Lamb space to operate underneath," Wasserman writes. "Nobody in this draft understands that role better than Brian Thomas Jr. Thomas led the nation in touchdowns last season and was a premier deep threat."

That is exactly what Thomas Jr. is after averaging 17.3 yards per catch last season, and he could certainly take the Cowboys offense to another level if they can add him to their roster on April 25 in Detroit.

The 21-year-old currently ranks as the fifth-best wide receiver and No. 29 overall prospect on PFF's big board after posting 68 receptions for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2023.

Pairing Thomas Jr. with All-Pro WR CeeDee Lamb could create one of the best wide receiver duos in the league for years to come while helping Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns (36), continue proving he's worth every penny of his four-year, $160 million deal.

Wasserman does note that "Dallas also needs to fix its run defense under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer" and could do so with Texas A&M LB Edgerrin Cooper or Michigan LB Michael Barrett.

However, several wide receivers are expected to go in the first round as this year's draft class seems rich with talent. The Cowboys want to add one of the top playmakers like Thomas Jr. if he's still around when they make their first pick.