What will the Dallas Cowboys do with the No.4 pick? The team has a solid offensive line. They have a franchise quarterback. They have a star wide receiver. They grabbed a cornerback last year. What is the team's biggest need? Heading into the NFL Draft, Dallas could go a number of directions in the first round as they try and build for the future. While a backup quarterback is getting plenty of attention, another offensive star could be the favored grab.
A running back or wide receiver is not out of the question for the Dallas Cowboys. According to the Dallas Morning News, a solid wide receiver to help Dez Bryant or a replacement for Darren McFadden could be a priority depending on how the talent pool shapes out for both positions. The Cowboys have been coy regarding their intentions for the draft, but players like Derrick Henry and Laquon Treadwell could get attention.
The Cowboys failed to really replace the production of DeMarco Murray. McFadden did have one of his best seasons of his career, but it in no way matched what Murray did. Add in the season-ending injury to Lance Dunbar and the release of Joseph Randle and the Cowboys' running back rotation left a lot to be desire. That is where Henry comes in. According to ESPN's Todd McShay, Henry will be the first running back off the board, the question is whether teams risk a first round pick on the position since that has not been the trend in a few seasons. Henry has proven he can be the workhorse running back Dallas needs, but if they wait until the second round to get him, he could be gone.
What about a wide receiver? Yes, the Cowboys have a long-term investment in Bryant, but they do not have a solid No.2 to help him out or replace him if injuries strike again. Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley have not really panned out as successful options. This season the Cowboys learned the hard way what happens when stars like Bryant are missing in action with injuries. Getting a solid rookie in could really turn things around. Treadwell is the best available while Josh Doctson could be a target as well. Both players are expected to go in the first round and as high as No.4 if Dallas drafts them.
Of course there is also the idea of grabbing a quarterback in the first round. According to McShay, no one in the draft is really worth hinging a franchise on. Jared Goff and Paxton Lynch are considering the top two options and even then there is doubt they are ready to start immediately. With Romo, the Cowboys do not need an immediate starter. They could easily wait until the second or third round to select someone since the talent level does not see a huge drop off. Connor Cook or Christian Hackenberg could be favored.
