The Cowboys filled some needs in the 2023 NFL Draft, but these three organizational mistakes will haunt Dallas for years to come.
It’s easy to understand what the Cowboys’ front office tried to accomplish in the 2023 NFL Draft. They methodically filled needs with almost every selection at their disposal. That conservative philosophy prevented Dallas from really maximizing the potential value of their draft class.
That doesn’t mean the Cowboys won’t benefit from some rookie contributors. First-round pick Mazi Smith projects to be an immediate starter at defensive tackle. Luke Schoonmaker should also see a lot of time taking over for Dalton Schultz at tight end.
The overarching theme of this year’s Cowboys draft class is missed opportunity. The following three mistakes should really concern fans in Dallas.
Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft mistakes
3. Waiting until Round 4 to nab an edge rusher
There’s a chance that Viliami Fehoko develops into a quality starter for the Cowboys after a few years in the league. The problem with that strategy is that Dallas needs to improve their edge rushing options immediately.
Micah Parsons can’t be expected to shoulder such a heavy load forever. Demarcus Lawrence continues to regress as a player as he enters his 30s. This draft was a prime opportunity for the Cowboys to nab his successor with an early-round pick.
Dallas could have easily stopped Nolan Smith’s slide toward the end of Day One. Instead, he’ll be tormenting them as an Eagles’ edge rusher for the foreseeable future. That decision could really turn into a painful one for Cowboys fans against a hated divisional rival.
Edge rushers are a highly valuable commodity in the NFL and the Cowboys missed a big chance to add a big-time talent early in this year’s draft. Waiting until Day Three to add a raw pass-rusher is a serious mistake by a front office that should know better.