FRISCO — The Dallas Cowboys have positioned themselves well for the NFL Draft after a practical yet not overly aggressive approach to free agency. They’ve addressed some gaps in their roster while leaving room for the draft to bring in promising young talent. With Jerry Jones, Brian Schottenheimer, and the rest of the leadership team, certain objectives will be targeted during those three days in late April. However, they have flexibility in their strategy and may prioritize selecting the best available talent when their turn comes.

Many analysts suggest that the Cowboys might focus on enhancing their offense. Initially, there was a strong inclination towards strengthening the backfield, but now a wide receiver could be a favored choice at the 12th overall pick. What they do with their picks at No. 12 and No. 44 will provide significant insight into their offseason plans. While all draft picks inevitably impact the team, the cornerback position could be the most affected if Dallas addresses it early on.

Particularly, drafting a cornerback might indicate how the Cowboys perceive their situation with their standout interceptor, Trevon Diggs. As a former second-round pick himself, Diggs faces challenges as 2025 approaches. Injuries have unfortunately plagued him, with a torn ACL limiting him to just two games in 2023, and a knee problem causing him to miss six games the previous season.

In July 2023, the Cowboys extended Diggs on a five-year, $97 million contract. However, the returns on this investment have been minimal, and his availability for the start of the 2025 season remains uncertain.

While some aspects of Diggs’ injuries are beyond control, the Cowboys understandably feel some frustration. Meanwhile, DaRon Bland, another up-and-coming corner, will soon require a new contract, and the remaining cornerback options are either inconsistent or untested. Depending on how the draft unfolds, the Cowboys might prioritize bolstering their cornerback depth sooner than anticipated. If they pursue such a player or maneuver to secure a favorable draft position, their intentions could become clearer.