Cowboys Draft: Balancing Needs & Talent

On March 31st, the Dallas Cowboys head into the draft with major defensive holes and two first round picks, making their moves a total spotlight grab.

Consensus says both top picks should plug those gaps on defense from edge rushers to linebackers and corners.

But the team's philosophy leans best player available, no matter the side of the ball.

Jerry Jones kept it light, joking that their defense was nearly dead last last year, so improvement is basically guaranteed.

He sounded confident on offense and special teams holding steady, but that grin hinted at the real work ahead on D.

Coach Brian Schattenheimer wants a natural flow, drafting pure talent without forcing fits.

Analysts like Gilberto Manzano are pushing hard, saying why not load up all eight picks on defense, especially since there's no second rounder, but plenty of mid-round comp picks.

Still, flexibility rules the day.

If a stud like the next CD-LAM or Bijan Robinson falls to pick 12, they might snag offensive firepower instead of going all in on needs.

That balance keeps the draft wide open and must watch TV, as the Cowboys aim to flip their defensive script without getting too rigid.