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Cowboys news: Mapping out a plan in the draft based on needs

The latest news on the Dallas Cowboys entering the weekend.

NFL: APR 28 2022 Draft Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

After a successful free agency, what are the Dallas Cowboys’ needs in the 2023 NFL Draft? - Star-Telegram, Clarence Hill Jr.

The possible roadmap to the Cowboys draft.

The Cowboys did the heavy lifting in March by filling their holes via trades and signings in free agency. The Cowboys acquired two starters in trades: cornerback Stephon Gilmore from the Indianapolis Colts and receiver Brandin Cooks from the Houston Texans.

The Cowboys have a pick in each of the seven rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, set from April 27-29. Here is a look at some areas of need:

GUARD

The Cowboys covered themselves at left guard by signing Chuma Edoga, who has experience playing the position. But he has just 13 career starts in four seasons and missed most of last season with an injury. The team will give right tackle Terence Steele at look at guard in the offseason. This is a position that is ripe for the right rookie to walk in and start. Notable draft options: TCU’s Stephen Avila, Florida’s O’Cyrus Torrence, UCLA’s Atonio Mafi and Hawaii’s Ilm Manning.

ESPN identifies 5 draft prospects as heavily linked to Cowboys - CowboysWire, Todd Brock

Any complaints if Dallas picks among this group?

ESPN asked its NFL Nation reporters to get specific about the teams they cover. For the Cowboys, who have a track record of landing future superstars with their first-round selections, Todd Archer was asked to name names about who would fit that bill for the team in 2023.

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

He’s one of the names most closely and persistently linked to Dallas, and understandably so. No one is questioning Robinson’s skill set or the notion that he’ll instantly be one of the most productive rushers in the league. But for many fans of a team that just cut a ridiculously-paid former first-round draft pick, the thought of turning in the Longhorn’s card on Thursday night is causing Groundhog Day-style flashbacks.

NFC Best? 11-Win Cowboys ‘Loved’ In NFL Projections - Cowboys Country, Connor Zimmerlee

One thing the Cowboys never lack, expectations.

Despite coming up just short in the playoffs for the second straight year against the San Francisco 49ers, the Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2023 season with high expectations.

Not for no good reason, of course, as one look at their roster and you see one of the most complete rosters in the NFL.

It isn’t hard to see the fascination with what this Cowboys team can be, even from a cursory glance. However, while several analysts like the Cowboys this season, ESPN’s Mike Clay’s 2023 NFL projection guide loves Dallas.

How much does it love the Cowboys, though? Well, in Clay’s projections the Cowboys are projected to finish with 10.8 wins, which is the fourth most in the NFL and leading the pack in the NFC.

Cowboys Have Family Connection to Deuce Vaughn - DallasCowboys.com

Would be the smallest running back to ever be drafted.

FRISCO, Texas – When Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn went to the combine in Indianapolis back in March, he was officially listed at 5-foot 5 inches and weighed in at a whopping 179 pounds. He’s the smallest player ever in Combine history, but hasn’t let that deter him from chasing that dream.

Having lived in Texas, Vaughn said he saw every Dallas Cowboys game last season, and watched the dynamic duo that was Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott – two players he wouldn’t mind the opportunity to learning from in his NFL career.

But, the one-two punch isn’t his only connection to America’s team. His father, Chris Vaughn, has been working as an area scout for the Dallas Cowboys since 2017, which means keeping up with the Jones’ is kind of his specialty.

NFL analyst exposes this Cowboys WR in reviewing Dak Prescott’s interceptions - The Landry Hat, Jerry Trotta

Need to see Michael Gallup back in starting shape.

There’s no sugarcoating the fact Dak Prescott led the NFL in interceptions last season despite missing five games through injury.

Former Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike Martz pointed this out after breaking down each of Prescott’s 17 interceptions (including the playoffs) for The 33rd Team. In defending Dak, Martz exposed two key Cowboys throughout the video: Michael Gallup and former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.

While Prescott’s decision-making wasn’t where it needed it be, Martz makes excellent points about the QB’s high turnover rate. Whether it was dreadful route-running — as displayed in the above clip — poor play design, dropped passes or miscommunication, not all of Prescott’s picks were solely his fault.

The full 18-minute video can be found on the 33rd team website. The very first highlight from Dallas’ playoff loss to San Francisco underlines a horrible comeback route from Gallup. It was eerily similar to the play against the Colts where Gallup pulled up and didn’t break back to the ball with any venom.

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