Although the Dallas Cowboys started off strong in 2019, they struggled against winning teams and finished second in the NFC East with an 8-8 record. While last season was a disappointing, Dallas made it a point to retain star quarterback Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper for the 2020 season at the very least.
However, Dallas did lose key pieces in its secondary and on the defensive line. We break down what needs the Cowboys need to address ahead of the draft.
2020 Draft Picks
Round 1, pick 17 (No. 17 overall): CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Round 2, pick 19 (No. 51): Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Round 3, pick 18 (No. 82): Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma
Round 4, pick 17 (No. 123): Reggie Robinson, CB, Tulsa
Round 4, pick 40 (No. 146): Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin
Round 5, pick 33 (No. 179): Bradlee Anae, DE, Utah
Round 7, pick 17 (No. 231): Ben DiNucci, QB, James Madison
Team needs
Offense
The only major loss Dallas had on the offensive end was Randall Cobb, who notched 55 receptions for 828 yards and three scores in 2019. Finding a solid third wide receiver would be good for the Cowboys, but Cooper and Michael Gallup should be better than what most teams have to offer out wide.
Defense
The Cowboys lost a top tier defensive back in Byron Jones to the Miami Dolphins, and they’ll need to shore up their secondary. Signing Maurice Canady will be good for the defense, but the team could need an extra boost from a player with star potential.
Dream first pick
The Cowboys are solid on the offensive end, so they’ll focus on building up the defense with the 17th pick. Leighton Vander Esch is recovering from a neck injury, and Sean Lee will be 34 before the 2020 season. LSU’s K’Lavon Chaisson would be a nice pick becuase of his versatility. He could help at at linebacker spot and also serve as the edge rusher opposite DeMarcus Lawrence. Chaisson, Lawrence, and Gerald McCoy could help Dallas eclipse 40 team sacks for the first time since 2011. If Dallas goes with a defensive back, it should consider Florida’s C.J. Henderson, who is considered the second best cornerback in the draft class.