FRISCO, TX — The Dallas Cowboys held their pre-draft press conference with Head Coach Mike McCarthy, Owner and GM Jerry Jones, and Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones on Monday, April 24. While discussing the probabilities and different possibilities of the draft, Jerry Jones made some interesting comments about former Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot.
"There's a bunch of nuances that go into this running back conversation. When you start loading up, Zeke's a good football player, still a very outstanding, I'm going to say the word outstanding football player. He's too high for us where he was. So, that has a lot to do with this conversation about running back right now with us," said Jones.
Watch the Full Press Conference Here:
While Jones made these comments not to disparage Elliot, he made it clear that the Cowboys aren’t looking to take a running back in the first round. Bad news for Bijan Robinson fans as Jones’s comments seem to point the Cowboys in a different direction. The question now is, who will the Cowboys draft in the first round?
Dak Prescott could use some help from playmakers on the outside. Dallas recently picked up WR CeeDee Lamb’s 5th-year option, but young talent at the wide receiver position would be welcome. The Cowboys also need to replace the now Houston Texan Dalton Schultz at tight end. Drafting young players on the offensive line would also be a smart move for Dallas.
Dallas Cowboys Press Conference
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On defense, the Cowboys need a cornerback and help on the defensive line. With Micah Parsons flying around the field playing multiple positions, an interior defensive lineman would help stop the run. In the secondary, Trevon Diggs and newly acquired Stephon Gilmore will obviously be the lynchpins that will anchor the secondary, but after these two, there is not much depth.
The 2023 NFL Draft begins in two days. Here are a few players that Dallas might pick up in the first round of this year’s draft.
DT Mazi Smith
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DT Mazi Smith, Michigan
The 6’3”, 323-lb defensive tackle is still a work in progress as a pass-rusher but is a titan in the middle stopping the run. He can disrupt the interior line with the best of them and would be a solid pick for Dallas.
CB Deonte Banks
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CB Deonte Banks, Maryland
Standing 6’0” tall and weighing 197 pounds, the young cornerback’s athleticism is off the charts. While he may not be ready to start day one, his raw talent is something to develop. At the combine, Banks ran a 4.35 40-yard dash and has the closing speed to keep up with anyone in the league.
TE Michael Mayer
(Credit: nbcsports.com)
TE Michael Mayer,
This 6’4.5”, 249-lb TE is the most decorated tight end coming into the draft. A proven pass catcher, Mayer set multiple school records at Notre Dame for single-season receptions and receiving yards. The Cowboys have two options at the moment with Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot, but Mayer is a solid option if he’s still available.
WR Quinten Johnston
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WR Quentin Johnston, TCU
One of the Horned Frogs’ best playmakers a season ago, the 6’3” wideout could be the perfect compliment to Lamb. Dallas has no big-bodied receiver, and Johnston could fill that void. Prescott could use another receiver that can go up and make tough catches over the middle and deep.
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