The Dallas Cowboys have a significant gap to fill after Tyler Biadasz left in free agency.
Thanks to limited cap space, and continued uncertainty about how much money quarterback Dak Prescott will cost, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys might look to the 2024 NFL Draft to find Biadasz’s replacement.
That’s exactly what NFL Network NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah predicts, with the Cowboys picking someone to replace Biadasz instead of a strong offensive tackle Tyron Smith with the No. 24 overall selection.
Jeremiah predicts that the Cowboys will choose Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson in the first round.
“Eleven years ago,” Jeremiah writes for NFL.com. “The Cowboys took center Travis Frederick near the bottom of the first round and that worked out well. They go back to the same formula with Powers-Johnson.”
Dallas chose Frederick as the No. 31 overall pick in the 2013 draft, and the former Wisconsin standout went on to play his entire 17-year career in a Cowboys uniform while making five Pro Bowls and earning All-Pro recognition three times, including First-Team honors in 2016.
If Powers-Johnson is the Cowboys’ selection, the organization would likely be thrilled if he also follows Frederick’s career path.
Jackson Powers-Johnson NFL Draft Scouting Report
Powers-Johnson is one of the best offensive line prospects in a very talented NFL Draft class for that position.
As Pro Football Focus points out, Powers-Johnson did not allow a sack across his three seasons in Eugene, Ore., and ended his college career with an impressive 84.3 overall grade as the outlet’s No. 19 ranked overall prospect in this year’s class.
A strong player in pass protection with the skills and evidence to be a strong blocker in the running game in the NFL, Powers-Johnson has the background and potential to be the main player in the Cowboys’ offensive line.
“Broadly built center prospect with below-average length but above-average upper-body power,” NFL Media’s Lance Zierline writes of Powers-Johnson. “Powers-Johnson isn’t a great knee-bender, which affects his pad level and drive leverage, but he can twist and throw opponents around regularly. Powers-Johnson is a fierce competitor with a feisty attitude but needs to improve his initial technique to create more consistent sustained blocks.
“Despite average athleticism, he doesn’t seem to have many issues in pass protection, as he works with clear eyes, a wide base, and good discipline to keep his weight back. His first season might be challenging if he has to play early, but he should eventually become a long-term starter.”
Stephen Jones Clarifies Jerry Jones’ Cowboys Being ‘All-In’ Comments
Jerry Jones announced that the Cowboys would be “all-in” in the 2024 season, but Dallas has been among the less active teams in free agency.
Stephen Jones explained those comments after the Cowboys saw more key departures than arrivals in the early days of the new league year.
“I know where the frustration is: It’s the fact that we haven’t had success in the playoffs to their satisfaction,” Stephen Jones said Thursday, according to Jon Machota of TheAthletic.com. “Until we do that, then the criticism is certainly something that’s going to be there. We know that’s going to be there, but we’re going to stick with what we believe will ultimately get us a championship here for our fans. We don’t define ‘all in’ by what you spend in free agency. It’s keeping the core [together].”
The Cowboys have the NFL draft remaining to meet the current needs on the team and fulfill Jerry Jones’ commitment to big things in the 2024 season.
