Top Players That Dallas Should Target in Rounds 1 and 2 of the Cowboys Draft Big Board

The NFL draft is always an exciting time for teams and fans alike, as franchises look to add young talent to their roster to improve their chances of competing for a Super Bowl. For the Dallas Cowboys, the draft represents an opportunity to bolster their already talented roster and address key needs for the future. The Cowboys have built a solid team, especially on defense, led by the dynamic playmaking ability of Micah Parsons and a strong offensive unit spearheaded by Dak Prescott. However, as with any contender, there are still areas that need to be addressed to make a deep playoff run and ultimately bring home a championship.

In the 2024 NFL Draft, Dallas will be looking to make selections that will help them remain a Super Bowl contender for years to come. The first two rounds are crucial for securing talented players who can make an immediate impact and contribute to the team’s success. Whether it’s bolstering the offensive line, adding more weapons for Prescott, strengthening the secondary, or improving the defensive front, the Cowboys will need to make smart, strategic picks to stay ahead of the competition.

In this article, we will examine some of the top players that the Dallas Cowboys should target in the first and second rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, and how these players can help the team continue its path toward championship glory.

Round 1 Targets: Potential Game-Changers

The first round of the draft is where teams typically secure players who will have an immediate impact on their roster. Dallas, selecting near the middle of the first round, will need to make a calculated decision that could address both present needs and future potential. Here are some top players the Cowboys should target in Round 1:

1. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

One of the top names on many teams’ draft boards, Brock Bowers is one of the most dynamic players in this year’s draft class. The tight end from Georgia is a matchup nightmare for defenses and has the ability to line up all over the field. Bowers is a fantastic athlete with great hands, a high football IQ, and the ability to block in the run game. His versatility makes him an ideal fit for an offense that is looking for another weapon to complement CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard.

For the Cowboys, adding a player like Bowers could take their offense to the next level. Dallas has been looking for a reliable tight end for years, and Bowers has the potential to be a star right away. He could contribute immediately as a receiving threat while also giving the Cowboys a solid blocker to enhance their run game. His ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch would be a valuable addition to Dak Prescott’s arsenal, allowing the offense to become even more unpredictable and dangerous.

2. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

While the Cowboys already have Tony Pollard, the addition of a back like Bijan Robinson could elevate their offense to another level. Robinson, one of the most highly touted running back prospects in recent memory, is a dynamic dual-threat back who excels in both the running and passing game. He’s a complete back, with the vision, agility, and power to make an impact in any situation. Robinson’s vision and ability to find holes in the defense are exceptional, and he is also a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Dallas has long been a run-first team, and adding Robinson would give them a legitimate three-down back who can take pressure off Prescott, control the clock, and keep defenses guessing. While Pollard is a great player, adding Robinson would provide an explosive option in the backfield and allow Pollard to thrive in a more specialized role, such as a change-of-pace back or a receiving weapon. Robinson’s impact would be felt immediately and could help Dallas create one of the most potent offensive attacks in the league.

3. Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

Although the Cowboys’ defense is already strong, adding a player like Jalen Carter could take it to elite status. Carter, a defensive tackle from Georgia, is one of the most disruptive players in this year’s draft class. He’s an interior lineman who can dominate both in the run game and as a pass rusher, making him a versatile threat on all downs. Carter is powerful, explosive, and possesses a high football IQ that allows him to read plays and react quickly. He has the ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt the rhythm of opposing quarterbacks.

For Dallas, adding a player like Carter would create a fearsome defensive line with Parsons on the edge and Carter causing havoc in the middle. The Cowboys have one of the best defensive units in the NFL, but adding a player of Carter’s caliber would make them even more dangerous. He would provide an immediate boost to the pass rush and help clog up running lanes, giving the Cowboys’ defense a more well-rounded, dominant presence up front.

4. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The Cowboys’ secondary is solid but could use some help at cornerback to give them more depth and versatility. Christian Gonzalez, a standout cornerback from Oregon, is a player who could immediately contribute to the Cowboys’ defense. Gonzalez is a smooth, athletic corner who excels in man coverage and has the ability to shut down top receivers. He has great ball skills and is adept at tracking the football, making him a threat for turnovers.

With Trevon Diggs already established as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, adding Gonzalez to the secondary would give Dallas a dynamic duo that would be difficult for any offense to attack. Gonzalez has the potential to step in and start immediately, providing the Cowboys with more flexibility in their coverage schemes. With an elite pass rush and a secondary anchored by Diggs and Gonzalez, the Cowboys would have one of the most formidable defenses in the NFL.

Round 2 Targets: Future Stars Who Can Contribute Immediately

The second round of the draft is where teams can still find impact players, albeit with more development needed. For the Cowboys, the second round is an opportunity to add depth and further strengthen their roster in areas of need. Here are some players Dallas should target in Round 2:

1. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

If the Cowboys don’t select Bijan Robinson in the first round, Jahmyr Gibbs is another running back who could be an excellent addition to the roster. Gibbs is a dynamic back who can make plays in both the running and passing game. He’s known for his speed, elusiveness, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Gibbs would bring a different skill set to the Cowboys’ offense, adding more versatility and explosiveness to the position.

Adding Gibbs to the mix would allow the Cowboys to maintain a strong ground game while also providing Prescott with another weapon in the passing game. Gibbs can contribute immediately as a change-of-pace back and has the potential to develop into a lead back in time. His dynamic playmaking ability would give the Cowboys’ offense more unpredictability, especially when paired with Pollard.

2. Osiris Torrence, OG, Florida

The Cowboys’ offensive line has been a solid unit in recent years, but they could benefit from adding depth, especially at guard. Osiris Torrence, a powerful and technically sound offensive guard from Florida, is a player who could step in and make an immediate impact. Torrence is known for his ability to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage and protect the quarterback in both the passing and running game. His strength and agility make him a versatile player who can contribute immediately.

With Torrence, the Cowboys would have a reliable option to strengthen the interior of their offensive line, providing additional protection for Dak Prescott and opening up running lanes for Pollard and any other backs they choose to use. A strong interior line would be critical for the Cowboys as they aim to improve their offensive line play and remain balanced offensively.

3. Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

If the Cowboys are looking to add depth and talent to their defensive line, Isaiah Foskey is a pass rusher who could fit perfectly into their defensive scheme. Foskey is a powerful edge rusher who has the ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and disrupt the pocket. His combination of size, speed, and pass-rush ability makes him an intriguing prospect who could develop into a key contributor for the Cowboys.

Foskey would add depth behind Micah Parsons and provide more flexibility for defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to rotate players in and out of the lineup. With a deep pass rush and more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, the Cowboys’ defense would become even more dangerous.

4. Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Another linebacker who could make a significant impact for the Cowboys is Trenton Simpson from Clemson. Simpson is a fast, athletic linebacker who excels in coverage and can be a force against the run. He’s a sideline-to-sideline player who can read plays quickly and make tackles all over the field. Simpson’s versatility would allow him to play in various linebacker positions, making him a valuable asset for the Cowboys.

Simpson’s ability to contribute immediately as a coverage linebacker would help Dallas strengthen their defense and allow Micah Parsons to focus on rushing the passer. Simpson’s speed and playmaking ability could add a new dimension to the Cowboys’ defense and make it even more difficult for offenses to move the ball.

Making Strategic Selections to Boost Super Bowl Hopes

The 2024 NFL Draft is a critical opportunity for the Dallas Cowboys to continue building a team that can compete for a Super Bowl. By making smart selections in the first two rounds, the Cowboys can address key areas of need while adding depth and talent to their roster. Whether it’s bolstering the offense with dynamic playmakers like Bijan Robinson or Brock Bowers, or enhancing the defense with players like Jalen Carter or Christian Gonzalez, the Cowboys have an opportunity to make significant improvements.

With the right selections, the Cowboys could further solidify themselves as one of the top teams in the NFC and position themselves for a deep playoff run in the coming years.