The Cowboys are coming off an admittedly impressive 12-4 campaign in which the team won a playoff game, but this roster still has some pretty glaring holes. Jerry Jones has yet to adequately replace DeMaro Murray at running back (sorry, Darren McFadden). The secondary remains littered with question marks. The addition of Greg Hardy should help but Dallas still lacks in pass-rushers overall.
So which of these areas of need will the Cowboys address in the upcoming NFL draft? How about none of them? ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay projects the Cowboys to select Florida State defensive tackle Eddie Goldman in his Mock Draft 4.0.
"The Cowboys addressed their pass-rusher need by signing Greg hardy, and DeMarcus Lawrence should also help in this area if he's able to stay on the field for a full season," McShay wrote. "Goldman doesn't offer much in terms of getting to the quarterback, but he's very stout against the run and will make Dallas stronger down the middle of its defense. The Cowboys could look to add a running back to pair with Darren McFadden following the departure of DeMarco Murray to the Eagles, but they can address that need on Day 2 or 3."
The Cowboys actually finished last season ranked eighth against the run (103.1 yards-per-game). But starting defensive tackle Nick Hayden will be 30 next year and Tyrone Crawford is solid but unspectacular. Goldman, all 6-foot-3 and 336 pounds of him, could be an immediate upgrade at the position.
Overall, Dallas' more pressing needs lie on the defensive side of the ball. Forgoing a running back in the first-round for Goldman or another defender is probably the best course of action. Especially when you remember that the Cowboys boast an offensive line with three first-round picks on it.
The NFL Draft will begin on April 30.
