The Dallas Cowboys will have the fourth overall selection in 2016's NFL draft.
This means they will be able to select just about whatever top 10 prospect they want. The Cowboys current needs are pretty complicated. Currently Dallas could use a backup quarterback/quarterback of the future, a workhorse running back, a wide receiver who compliments Dez Bryant, a shutdown cornerback, a solid linebacker, and a defensive lineman.
The Cowboys need for some of these positions will grow because of what happens in free agency. As far as quarterback goes, the Cowboys believe in Tony Romo and will likely have him starting for the next 3 seasons. This means the Cowboys could wait to draft a prospect from a more luxurious quarterback class in the future. They will likely not be able to draft Jared Goff as the Browns will most likely make that their first pick. Paxton Lynch is always a possibility but the Cowboys have more important areas to focus on.
A backup quarterback however should be easy to find as both Johnny Manziel and Robert Griffin III are likely to be released by their respective teams. One if not both of these players could play on the roster for a relatively team friendly contract. Currently the Cowboys will see Morris Claiborne become a free agent and Brandon Carr's contract is at its lowest point for a team friendly cut. If the Cowboys cut Carr and Claiborne cornerback will obviously be the number one need in the draft so targeting players such as Vernon Hargreaves III, Jalen Ramsey, and Mackensie Alexander. These are versatile players who could also play safety in certain circumstances.
The Cowboys will veer away from drafting a cornerback/ safety in the draft if they pick up Sean Smith, Janoris Jenkins, Josh Norman, or Eric Berry in free agency. Berry seems to make the most sense as the Cowboys could use an upgrade at safety. The Cowboys will also see Orlando Scandrick return from a season ending injury which means they will get one of their best cornerbacks back in the lineup.
At running back Darren McFadden has been pretty good but is not the answer long term. There are several routes the Cowboys can go either through free agency or the draft. In free agency the Cowboys could pick up Lamar Miller or even DeMarco Murray if the Philadelphia Eagles decide he is not worth the money. Ideally the best way to acquire a running back would be through the draft. Ezekiel Elliot or Derrick Henry are the prime targets at this position in the first round however the Cowboys could likely find quality backs in rounds 2-4.
Elliot could be a tremendous game changer if the Cowboys decide to select him. The Cowboys also need a 2nd wide receiver who can take some of the work load off Dez Bryant's shoulders.
The perfect player for that role would be Laquon Treadwell who is a physically dominant and gifted wide receiver that would instantly give this offense some extra punch. On the defensive side of the ball the Cowboys could go with a defensive lineman like Joey Bosa or a linebacker such as Myles Jack. This should all depend on whether or not the Cowboys resign Jeremy Mincey and/or Greg Hardy. With the likely release of Mario Williams he could also be a candidate for becoming a Cowboy if Hardy and Carr are released.
