The Dallas Cowboys have struggled to find a suitable replacement for Amari Cooper since trading him to the Cleveland Browns, and are facing the possibility of a costly CeeDee Lamb contract extension, which could influence how the team sees the position's future.
The Cowboys haven't been active in the top free agent market, so a lot is at stake for them in the 2024 NFL Draft. This is especially critical for ensuringThey have failed to make significant additions to the roster so far this offseason. Dak Prescott — or has a strong supporting cast of playmakers in the coming years. In the most recent mock draft by Pro Football Focus, the Cowboys choose University of Texas wide receiver AD Mitchell with the No. 24 overall pick.
“The Cowboys aren’t expected to pick a wide receiver with this selection,” stated
Arjun Menon of PFF . “But, Michael Gallup‘s release creates an open spot for a WR3, which they fill with Adonai Mitchell here. With CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks not contracted in 2025, Mitchell could be a secondary weapon in 2024 before taking on a larger role in the future.”Mitchell, 6-foot-4 and 196 pounds, showed playmaking skills during his time in Austin, finishing the 2023 season with 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 15.4 yards per reception.
“If he can perform in every game like he did against Alabama,” mentioned
an AFC Scouting Director to NFL.com . “He’ll be one of the best receivers in the league. They have first-round corners and he gave them problems.”AD Mitchell scouting Report
Selecting Mitchell in the first round would be unexpected for the Cowboys, especially considering the gap left at offensive tackle by
‘s departure and significant uncertainty at running back now that Tyron SmithTony Pollard Tennessee Titan is a However, betting on Mitchell’s talent would be a big bet on future production and the ability to attack opposing defenses vertically this upcoming season..
“Rising prospect with size, speed, and ball skills to become a very good NFL receiver,”
Lance Zeirlein wrote about Mitchell, for NFL.com . “But, he’s still in the process of honing those skills. Mitchell can beat press and has the speed to take the battle to the third level, but he’s still learning to dominate the catch space in tight quarters and jump-ball situations. He’s not always a natural hands-catcher, but his ability to catch balls outside his frame is excellent.”During his three college seasons, spending the first two at the University of Georgia before transferring to Texas in 2023, Mitchell caught 93 passes for 1,405 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Pro Football Focus notes that Mitchell had an average target depth of 16 yards in 2023, with 302 deep yards and received an overall grade of 71.9 from the outlet.
Ezekiel Elliott to Return to Cowboys? The Cowboys may bring back Ezekiel Elliott to fill the gap at running back, or at least to be part of a running back committee.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler's report
, there is mutual interest between the Cowboys and
Ezekiel Elliottfor a gathering before the 2024 election. Elliott might be available for a low cost but is coming off a strong end to the 2023 season, having run for 642 yards and three touchdowns. Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, and Snoop Conner are the only running backs currently on the Cowboys’ roster. At the very least, Elliott would bring some experienced leadership and a genuine option for short-yardage and goal-line plays.
The Dallas Cowboys have had difficulty finding a suitable replacement for Amari Cooper after trading the star receiver to the Cleveland Browns, and are facing the prospect of a costly extension for CeeDee Lamb, which could affect the franchise's outlook on the position.Dallas has mostly stayed out of the top of the free […]
Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, and Snoop Conner are the only running backs currently on the Cowboys’ roster. At a minimum, Elliott would add some veteran experience and a legitimate short-yardage and goal-line option.