Oronde Gadsden – Syndication Server

Cowboys first 7-round mock draft of 2024: OL, LB, RB needs filled

Yes, it’s way too early. Yes, the Cowboys still have games to play. No, we don’t care, we’re still going to start looking at players who can help fill the inevitable holes in the roster. Join us. | From @KDDrummondNFL

The regular season slate of a playoff campaign isn’t even finished yet, and there’s a mock draft? Ludicrous? Nope, just starting to do some reconnaissance on the upcoming 2024 draft class. The Dallas Cowboys are one win away from securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC and hoping to use that momentum to propel them further than they’ve been in almost three decades of football.

Assuming Mike McCarthy and company will be back in 2024, there are a few glaring needs that Dallas is surviving in 2023, but could certainly use some assistance on. Mock drafts are fun exercises, knowing the club will have several key roster decisions to make over the next two months leading up to free agency. Needs will likely change, but for now it’s clear where upgrades can be made.

The Cowboys once again need better depth along the offensive line. Perhaps some of the younger players such as Matt Waletkzo, TJ Bass and Asim Richards ascend, but there need to be players added. Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz are both free agents at the end of the season.

At running back, Tony Pollard is free to walk as well, as is linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. Vander Esch’s neck injury has the organization questioning whether he’ll play football again. There are key areas that must be addressed.

In this seven-round exercise, we attempt to plug those holes in the best imaginable way. While collegiate all-star games, the scouting combine and individual workouts will change rankings considerably, these PFF rankings are based on grades from the actual games on the field.

Here’s how we’d address the Cowboys’ needs.

2024 NFL draft: Preseason WR watch list and early rankings

An early ranking of the receivers in the 2024 NFL draft class and WR watch list from Draft Wire’s Jeff Risdon

Wide receiver is generally one of the deepest positions in every draft. It’s also one where players can rise quickly, notably underclassmen or transfers who benefit from better QB play or a more conducive scheme.

These are very fluid rankings. In general, these are early impressions about the NFL potential of players who still have a considerable amount of football to play before they’re drafted.

With some feedback and info from a couple of team-employed NFL scouts and an active player agent, here is an early listing and my preliminary ranking for the wide receivers in the NFL draft class of 2024.

[lawrence-related id=646448]

Swinney thinks this Syracuse wide receiver is a ‘real problem’

Wide receiver Oronde Gadsden II has been a pillar for the Syracuse offense this season. With the 24-9 win over NC State, Gadsden picked up his third game with more than 100 receiving yards this season. The performance helped him earn the award of …

Under offensive coordinator Robert Anae, Gadsden has been playing more as an inside flex receiver this season, and this position for the sophomore seems to be really meshing well in the Orange’s offensive unit.

“No. 19 [Gadsden] has really come and emerged as their go-to guy,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said on Tuesday. “Gadsden is a big-bodied, slash tight end, receiver type of a guy. He’s a really good player.”

The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native has led his team with 507 receiving yards on the season, and in just his second year in the program, he continues to improve each game — which is what deems him as such a threat coming into their matchup against the Tigers.

“The same thing with him, from the start of the season to where he is now, he has really emerged as their guy,” Swinney said. “You see it in their plays calls. You see it in their schemes. They scheme him up in different ways, they’re throwing him touchdowns in the backfield, running back wheel routes, to slot, to the field, they got him everywhere. They do a good job at creating opportunities for him with a lot of back-shoulder balls.”

Swinney emphasized what Gadsden does well is being versatile. Gadsden can make big plays in the end zone in high-pressure situations, and that’s what he’s shown this season. In Syracuse’s win over Purdue, with just seven seconds left on the clock, Gadsden caught a game-winning 25-yard touchdown reception.

Swinney knows this kind of offensive talent in Gadsden, alongside both quarterback Garrett Shrader and Sean Tucker, makes the receiver a “real problem” for the Clemson defense.

“They beat Purdue on the last play, 20 something seconds, one-on-one in the end zone,” Swinney said. “Their guy [Gadsden] was better than Purdue’s guy. So, he’s a real problem.”

It’s not just the talent of the receiver that creates opportunities for the Syracuse offense, but also the continuity and confidence of its offensive line. The offensive line not only plays physical football, but also is riding high on confidence going into this week, which makes them a particular challenge for the Clemson defense.

“The key to them is the guys up front,” Swinney said. “I think this offensive line is playing really good football. Playing together. You can tell they like it and got the mentality.”

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!