Roman philosopher Seneca is known to have famously said, “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” For NFL teams looking to cash in on draft day luck, these are words that need to be taken to heart.
Since the offseason began, the Dallas Cowboys crossed a lot of needs off their list. They took care of their immediate concerns at cornerback when they traded for veteran Stephon Gilmore. They addressed their issues at receiver when they traded for Brandin Cooks.
Dallas addressed possible defensive concerns when they re-signed Johnathan Hankins, Donovan Wilson and Leighton Vander Esch. They even got ahead of some potential issues on their offensive line when they tendered Terence Steele and brought back Tyron Smith.
The way the roster stands today there are no glaring needs the Cowboys must address at the top of the 2023 draft.
Sure, they could use another offensive lineman but they have five proven starters already so the need isn’t dire.
Yes, they could use another tight end but they have three ascending young talents and a history of finding good options in later rounds.
Of course, they could use another running back but they have Tony Pollard already and the draft is deep so there’s no rush.
2023 is a far cry from last season when the Cowboys were basically obligated to draft an instant starter for the offensive line and a top-three pass catcher at receiver (one of which didn’t turn out all that fantastically).
Dallas has positioned themselves to be true opportunists in the first round of the 2023 draft. They took care of the majority of their instant needs that often require early picks and can now sit back and let the draft come to them.
Maybe that elite lineman falls into their laps. Maybe a top cornerback they can build around is the best player on their board. A top-end receiver may fall or perhaps a high-potential pass-rusher. Whatever the case may be, the Cowboys are positioned to take advantage.
It’s a powerful position to be and one that took an offseason’s worth of effort to accomplish. If luck should find Dallas on April 27, they will be ready. Their preparation has this year has allowed them to be.
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