This Is What a Perfect 2024 NFL Draft Looks Like for the Cowboys

Picture it … Connecticut, 1980.

A young Italian kid watches pro football for the first time. He sees this team with a cool star on its helmet on television. He almost immediately starts rooting for Danny White, Tony Dorsett, Drew Pearson and the “Doomsday Defense.”

That would begin a love affair with the Dallas Cowboys that has lasted 44 years.

There have been ups and downs over those four decades, and while the love has been mixed with a fair amount of hate in recent seasons, my dedication to the Boys has been unwavering. So, with one of the team’s most important drafts coming up (that isn’t hyperbole either … this could be the last version of THIS Cowboys team we see), I’m taking a shot at predicting the perfect draft for my beloved Pokes.

Needs: Offensive line, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, cornerback.

Round 1, Pick 24

Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon: The Cowboys biggest need heading into the draft is on the offensive line, as the team lost center Tyler Biadasz (Washington Commanders) in free agency and released tackle Tyron Smith (New York Jets). JPJ will come right in and become an anchor for the Cowboys for years to come.

Round 2, Pick 56

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas: The Cowboys lost Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans in free agency, and the trio of Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman and Deuce Vaughn won’t cut it. Enter Brooks, who is considered by many scouts to be the top running back prospect in the 2024 class. He could become an instant fantasy star.

Round 3, Pick 87

Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame: Fisher was a starter for the Fighting Irish in each of his last two collegiate seasons, and he would come right in and compete for the same sort of role in Dallas. With Jackson Powers-Johnson and Fisher on the roster, the Cowboys would rebuild what could be a strong line in 2024 and beyond.

Round 5, Pick 174

Josh Newton, CB, Texas Christian: The Cowboys will get Trevon Diggs back from a torn ACL, but the team hasn’t re-signed Stephon Gilmore. That leaves them with a need at cornerback, and the versatile Newton would help increase depth.

Round 6, Pick 216

Xavier Weaver, WR, Colorado: Michael Gallup was cut during the offseason, so the Boys could use some help at wide receiver behind CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert. Weaver, a good route runner who can also contribute on special teams as a return man, would be a nice addition at this stage of the draft.

Round 7, Pick 233

Curtis Jacobs, LB, Penn State: The Boys could use some depth at linebacker after the retirement of Leighton Vander Esch. Jacobs, a three-year starter at Penn State who is a tremendous athlete, gives the team a young linebacker to develop.

Round 7, Pick 244

Evan Anderson, DT, Florida Atlantic: The selection of Mazi Smith in the first-round last season didn’t bear initial fruit, and the Cowboys could use a big run stuffer in the middle of the line. Anderson, at 6-feet and 319 pounds, could be that player.

Related: Luke Easterling Mock Draft: Updated 4-Round Projections with Trades