Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was “all in” heading into the start of NFL free agency this past March. They ended up being the least-active team in the league.
Jones is now saying that Dallas is “all in” when it comes to the 2024 NFL Draft starting on Thursday. Whether we should take him at his word remains to be seen.
What we do know is that the Cowboys have needs on both sides of the ball following a mass exodus in free agency.
With the ‘Boys slated to select 24th overall, they are now reportedly targeting a specific player in a potential trade.
Related: Final 2024 NFL mock draft
Dallas Cowboys targeting Jonathon Brooks in NFL Draft
Jane Slater of NFL Media noted immediately leading up to the draft that the Cowboys could trade down from the 24th selection if a top offensive lineman is not available. The target would be former Texas running back Jonathon Brooks in Round 2.
Per Slater, Dallas is a bit concerned that the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles could pick up Brooks with the 53rd selection in the draft. The ‘Boys are not slated to select until 56. This would not be an ideal scenario given Dallas’ issues at running back and the fact that Philadelphia signed star running back Saquon Barkley in free agency.
Related: Full 7-round Dallas Cowboys mock draft
Brooks took over as RB1 for the Longhorns a season ago after Bijan Robinson was selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He put up 1,425 total yards and 11 touchdowns at a clip of 6.7 yards per touch before suffering a torn ACL in November.
Dallas lost Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans in free agency and has a major need at running back. In fact, the team just hosted former Cowboys’ back Ezekiel Elliott earlier in the week.