BREAKING NEWS:Why a Couple of Spots in the Draft Order Aren’t All That Important to the Cowboys

As the NFL draft approaches, every team’s front office, coaching staff, and fan base turns their attention to the upcoming draft order, with hopes of securing that game-changing player who could be the missing piece to their championship puzzle. For the Dallas Cowboys, however, the importance of a few spots in the draft order isn’t as significant as it might be for some other teams. While the Cowboys have their fair share of needs and areas for improvement, there are several reasons why a couple of spots in the draft order aren’t all that critical for this franchise.

1. Dallas Has A Strong Roster Foundation

One of the primary reasons the Cowboys can afford to worry less about draft order is the strength of their roster. Unlike teams in full rebuild mode or those with major holes in key positions, the Cowboys have a well-established, competitive team. Under the leadership of head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Jerry Jones, Dallas has built a roster that is competitive year in and year out.

The Cowboys’ offense, featuring the likes of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tony Pollard, is among the best in the NFL. The defense, led by linebacker Micah Parsons and cornerback Trevon Diggs, is one of the most formidable units in the league. With such strong core players at key positions, the Cowboys are in a position where they can afford to draft for depth, talent, and specific needs without needing a single star prospect to completely transform their team.

2. The Cowboys Have A History of Drafting Well

Dallas has a well-documented history of making solid draft picks, regardless of where they are slotted in the order. Under Jerry Jones, the Cowboys have successfully found talent across multiple rounds, particularly in the mid-to-late rounds. From selecting CeeDee Lamb at No. 17 overall in 2020 to finding hidden gems like linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and running back Tony Pollard, the Cowboys have demonstrated an ability to hit on value picks.

What makes this ability even more valuable is that it allows the Cowboys to continue building their roster effectively, even if they don’t have a top-five pick or the opportunity to select a “can’t-miss” prospect. Dallas has a good track record of uncovering potential stars even outside the first round, which means they’re likely to find contributors in the 2024 draft no matter where they pick.

3. Dallas Has Flexibility in Free Agency and Trades

Drafting high in the order can be crucial for teams that have to rely heavily on the draft to fill out their roster. However, for a team like the Cowboys, their ability to make moves in free agency and trades gives them more flexibility in the draft. Over the past few years, Dallas has made savvy moves in free agency, such as signing players like wide receiver Brandin Cooks and defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins, to fill immediate needs.

This flexibility in free agency allows Dallas to approach the draft with a broader scope of needs. They aren’t restricted to selecting a player solely based on glaring holes because they have already addressed several issues in the offseason. As a result, a slight shift in draft order won’t have the same weight for the Cowboys as it might for teams lacking the same free-agent flexibility.

4. The Cowboys’ Philosophy: Best Player Available

Another reason why a few spots in the draft order don’t significantly impact the Cowboys is their draft philosophy. Dallas is not a team that operates on a “draft for need” mindset exclusively. Instead, the Cowboys tend to draft the best player available on their board, regardless of position. This philosophy allows them to build depth at various positions and avoid overreaching for players simply to fill needs.

For example, in 2023, the Cowboys selected edge rusher Mazi Smith in the first round, even though the defensive line was not an immediate weakness. They were looking at the long-term picture and bolstering their defense with the best player available. This approach gives the Cowboys the flexibility to pick talented players across a range of positions, regardless of where they sit in the draft order. In essence, the Cowboys are more likely to follow their draft board and let talent dictate their selections, rather than focusing on a few spots higher or lower in the order.

5. The NFL’s Competitive Balance

In a league as competitive as the NFL, a few draft spots here or there rarely make the difference between making the playoffs or missing out. The Cowboys, like every team, are in a constant arms race to improve their roster, but the depth of talent across the NFL means that a late-first-round pick can still offer significant value. Teams can find impact players in the second and third rounds, especially with the NFL’s increasing emphasis on developing young talent quickly.

Moreover, the draft itself is only one piece of the puzzle. Teams that can effectively develop their players—through excellent coaching and support systems—can turn a late-round draft pick into a starter or even a Pro Bowler. For the Cowboys, who have invested heavily in their coaching staff and player development programs, the importance of a single draft slot becomes less crucial.

Conclusion

In the grand scheme of things, a few spots in the draft order are not a make-or-break factor for the Dallas Cowboys. With a strong roster, a proven track record of drafting well, flexibility in free agency and trades, and a focus on selecting the best player available, Dallas can confidently approach the 2024 draft regardless of their position. While no draft slot is ever insignificant, for the Cowboys, it’s clear that their approach to team building transcends a few places in the draft order.