NFL Draft Q&A: Dallas Cowboys intel, needs and more

The 2024 NFL Draft, which is hosted in Detroit, begins on April 25. The Dallas Cowboys aim to make up for a disappointing free agency period by bringing in a strong draft class, with no selection holding more significance than their No. 24 overall pick. 

In preparation for the three-day event, we're answering some of the biggest draft related questions pertaining to the Cowboys. 

What venue will the draft be held at, and who will televise the event?

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in downtown Detroit, surrounding Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. ABC, ESPN and NFL Network will televise the draft, which can be streamed on platforms such as NFL+, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. 

Six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick will also co-host "The Pat McAfee Show Draft Spectacular" during Thursday's first round, available to watch on ESPN+ and YouTube. 

The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft begins on April 25 at 8 p.m. ET, while rounds two and three start on April 26 at 7 p.m. ET. The fourth through seventh rounds will take place on April 27 beginning at noon ET. 

How has the Cowboys' offseason unfolded so far? 

Following yet another season that ended with a heartbreaking playoff loss, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones vowed to go "all in" this offseason, but failed to make good on that promise. Instead, Dallas notably saw LT Tyron Smith, RB Tony Pollard and DC Dan Quinn head elsewhere this offseason while LB Leighton Vander Esch retired. The Cowboys didn't make any splash moves to compensate for the losses, with their most prominent acquisition being Eric Kendricks, a linebacker who has experience playing in new DC Mike Zimmer's scheme. 

How many picks do the Cowboys have? 

Due to previous trades and receiving two compensatory picks, the Cowboys own seven selections in the 2024 NFL Draft. Here is a full list of Dallas' draft picks. 

• Round 1: No. 24 overall
• Round 2: No. 56
• Round 3: No. 87
• Round 5: No. 174
• Round 6: No. 216
• Round 7: Nos. 233 and 244

What are the Cowboys' biggest positional needs entering the draft? 
Offensive line, running back, linebacker and defensive tackle. 

As mentioned, the Cowboys lost Smith, Pollard and Vander Esch earlier this offseason, creating the need to replace each of them during the draft. However, they must also find a new starting center after Tyler Biadasz followed Quinn to Washington. Additionally, although Dallas spent a 2023 first-round pick on DT Mazi Smith, it might be wise to draft his replacement if the price is right, considering he made just 13 tackles in 17 games as a rookie. 

Who could the Cowboys target in the first round? 
Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson: Among the five projected first-rounders who reportedly took top-30 visits with Dallas, four were offensive linemen, including Powers-Johnson, the most likely of the group to be available at pick 24. Even so, Powers-Johnson would hardly be a consolation prize, despite 2023 being his first season as a full-time starter. Powers-Johnson surrendered just one pressure and no sacks across his 13 games last season en route to winning the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation's top center. 

Illinois DT Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton: If the Cowboys miss out on a top offensive lineman, Newton would be an intriguing and potentially worthwhile selection, assuming he's available when they're on the clock. No interior defensive lineman in the FBS generated more pressures over the last two seasons than Newton (103), the 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. In addition to being a dominant pass-rusher, Newton is an effective run-stopper, as his 25 run stops last season ranked eighth nationally among interior defenders, according to Pro Football Focus. 

Which prospects could be in play for the Cowboys later in the draft? 

Michigan LB Junior Colson: A two-time second-team All-Big Ten selection, the 6-foot-2, 238-pounder has the frame and IQ to develop into a productive NFL linebacker. Last season, Colson racked up a team-leading 95 tackles for the national champion Wolverines, to go along with two tackles for loss and two pass breakups. Dallas has shown interest in Colson, hosting him and several other linebacker prospects projected to be selected in the second round, potentially hinting at its plans for pick 56. 

Texas RB Jonathon Brooks: Despite his limited experience, Brooks is arguably the most talented running back in this year's draft. Brooks sat behind current NFL RBs Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson for two seasons before becoming Texas' starter in 2023. Across 11 games before tearing his ACL, Brooks totaled 1,425 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. It's worth mentioning that the Cowboys' team doctor is Dan Cooper, who was the surgeon for Brooks' ACL surgery, giving them a better understanding of the former Longhorn's injury and rehab process.